USCADETNURSE.ORG FOUNDATION

The USCADETNURSE.ORG FOUNDATION traces its roots to 2016 as an Arizona nonprofit organization with a simple goal: to ensure that the story of America's U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps is never forgotten. 

Today's students, young professionals, educators, healthcare workers, historians, and families live in a digital world where history is discovered through stories, videos, social media, podcasts, and interactive experiences. Our website must evolve to meet younger people where they are. 

For nearly a decade, USCADETNURSE.ORG has preserved thousands of photographs, documents, and personal stories from one of the most remarkable—and least known—programs of World War II. During the war, more than 124,000 young women answered their nation's call to serve by becoming Cadet Nurses. Most were about the same age as today's college students. 

Their experiences speak directly to today's generation. They demonstrate courage, resilience, leadership, teamwork, public service, and the belief that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things when their communities need them most. 

The Foundation's next chapter is to transform the website into a modern, interactive learning and research resource that reaches new audiences through contemporary technology, artificial intelligence, multimedia storytelling, and educational partnerships. 

The website remains the cornerstone of the Foundation's mission to inspire leadership by recognizing the service and legacy of U.S. Cadet Nurses through advocacy, education, research, partnerships, and innovative public engagement. 

Foundation Priorities:

  • Preserving and expanding the nation's largest digital collection dedicated to the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. 
  • Discovering, documenting, and sharing Cadet Nurse stories before they are lost. 
  • Supporting research that deepens understanding of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps and its lasting impact on healthcare, women, education, and American history. 
  • Creating engaging educational resources for students, teachers, researchers, and lifelong learners. 
  • Building partnerships with schools, universities, museums, libraries, healthcare organizations, and community groups. 
  • Using emerging technologies—including artifical intelligence and digital storytelling—to make history more accessible and engaging for future generations.
  • Expanding the reach and long-term sustainabililty of USCADETNURSE.ORG through fundraising, volunteers, and public support. 

The foundation is led by a volunteer Board of Directors, including a President and Chief Executive Officer. Every contribution of time, expertise, and financial support helps preserve the legacy of the Cadet Nurses and helps inspire future generations to serve with the same dedication, compassion, and courage.  

Directors

Eileen DeGaetano, R.N.

Irene Auteri, Ph.D., R.N.

Richard Sprince, Creative Director

Elsie Szecsy, Ed.D. (President, and CEO)

In Memoriam

Thelma Robinson, M.S., R.N. (Cadet Nurse and Author)

Shirley Harrow, B.S., R.N. (Champion of Cadet Nurses)

 

USCADETNURSE.ORG FOUNDATION has been organized, and shall be administered and operated, exclusively to receive, administer, and expend funds for charitable and educational purposes, within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

Donate online, or send a check!

Donate online to the USCADETNURSE.ORG FOUNDATION

You may send a check payable to USCADETNURSE.ORG FOUNDATION.
Send your check to: 
USCADETNURSE.ORG FOUNDATION
2406 S Grandview Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85282.
Do not send cash.

 

 

Official Documents

Bylaws
IRS Determination Letter
 

 

For more information about USCADETNURSE.ORG FOUNDATION, contact Elsie Szecsy.