Nightingale Foundation Launches SPARK Camps to Inspire the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders
At the beginning of the summer, Nightingale Foundation successfully launched SPARK Camps in Anchorage, Alaska and Las Vegas, Nevada to engage seventh- to ninth-grade students to become the next generation of healthcare professionals. The SPARK (Students Pursuing Advancements in Real-World Knowledge) Camp programs were created in partnership with Providence Alaska Medical Center, the Anchorage School District, the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC), and the Clark County School District. The program offers students hands-on experiences through real-world simulations and clinical activities, providing a powerful glimpse into a career in health care.
The idea for SPARK Camps originated from Mikhail Shneyder, DNEd(hc), former chair of the board, along with collaborations from Nightingale College faculty. It has long been recognized that younger generations are making decisions about their careers earlier than ever.
“Kids are starting to think about what they want to be when they grow up in middle school and going into high school,” said Katy Shoemaker, Executive Director, Nightingale Foundation. “With high schools across the country offering career and technical education courses for students, it gives many individuals a head start when they enter college and pursue healthcare careers.” SPARK Camps were developed to capture these interests, allowing students to explore the field in an engaging atmosphere.
The camps were designed by Cj Chidozie, MBA who is the Community Education Outreach Specialist for Nightingale Foundation, in collaboration with fellow collaborators within Nightingale College. Cj worked closely with subject-matter experts to create a dynamic and compelling camp curriculum. Through partnerships with healthcare hospital systems, local school districts, and Nightingale Education Group, SPARK Camps became a collaborative effort, bringing in diverse healthcare professionals to teach and facilitate different parts of the camp.
One of the standout components of the program was American Heart Association HeartsaverÒ training, where all students learned CPR, AED, and BLS — nationally recognized credentials that enhance students’ confidence, employability, and emergency preparedness. Additional hands-on activities included emergency-triage and trauma-care scenarios, vital sign assessments, and interactive VR healthcare scenarios led by the Nightingale Education Group VR team.
Students also had the opportunity to hear from inspiring guest speakers, including representatives from the Las Vegas Raiders, Leke Adedotun, a member of the Nightingale Foundation Board of Directors, and hospital leadership from both Alaska and Nevada, respectively. These panel discussions and Q&A sessions offered valuable insights into the variety of roles and career paths in healthcare leadership.
Along with their hands-on experience, students capstone their experience by participating in community engagement by completing a public service announcement (PSA) poster project that focused on local health-awareness topics. These posters are now proudly displayed in hospitals, clinics, and libraries across the country.
The 2025 SPARK Camps not only laid the foundation for deeper institutional relationships, but they also received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Students showed strong interest in healthcare careers and were vocal about their passion. After each camp, Cj helped connect students and their families to career and technical education programs in their school districts, enabling them to pursue volunteer or internship opportunities at local hospitals in the future.
“Seeing these students apply what they learned and reflect on their experiences was truly inspiring,” said Katy. “Even if one of the attendees goes on to become a nurse, the Nightingale Foundation will have fulfilled its mission.”
Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to track students’ progress through high school with the hope that they will be the next generation of healthcare leaders. With plans to expand SPARK Camps into various in and out of school options in 2026, the Nightingale Foundation remains committed to deepening its impact, reach more students, and help shape individuals to make a difference.
