Students make the best recruiters.

“It just takes one person for them to see themselves here to see that they really can belong in this field. That’s what we’re doing.”

BSN student Nakayla Figgins, president of Diversity in Nursing for a Better Community and incoming NSC president

It’s why the annual student-run “Dare to Dream” event, which draws dozens of high schoolers from across Virginia curious about nursing, is so energized.

In March 2024, a cohort of 40 9th to 12th graders arrived with their parents for a half day of experiential labs, hands-on skill building in the simulation lab, tours, financial aid and admissions seminars, lunch—even a photo booth where they could snap a selfie with a “future RN” sign.

It’s a day for young people to picture their future.

“It just takes one person for them to see themselves here,” explained rising fourth-year BSN student Nakayla Figgins, president of Diversity in Nursing for a Better Community and the incoming Nursing Student Council president, “to see that they really can belong in this field. That’s what we’re doing.”

Pathways, Faces, and Places

• Learning to Lead (CNL)
• When High-Level Learning is Fun (DNP)
• A Do-Able BSN for RNs (RN to BSN)
• Daring to Dream (recruiting from high school)
• An Accelerated BSN (2-year ABSN)
• Diving into Clinicals (traditional BSN)