A newly innovative outreach program at CU Pharmacy has been honored with a prestigious $20,000 scholarship from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation. The “Inspiring Interest and Opportunities in Pharmacy Education” scholarship brings recognition and celebrates the school's commitment to inspiring interest and opportunities in pharmacy education among high school students.
The NACDS Foundation scholarship supports the Pharmacy Outreach Program, or POP, initiative. In 2023, PharmD student Angelica Garcia had a drive to create a unique space for first-generation high school students to learn about the pharmacy profession, pharmacy education programs, and the vital role of pharmacy care within the community and healthcare system. With the help of Pharmacy Outreach Specialist and Clinical Instructor, Chandler Follett, PharmD, Garcia’s vision came to life this past year, bringing POP into multiple local high school classrooms. This scholarship aligns with the school's mission to expand access to education and create a new generation of pharmacists.
“In our first year, POP reached seven high schools and engaged over 200 students through a pharmacy-focused curriculum delivered by student pharmacists,” Dr. Follett said. “These sessions also fostered inclusive spaces where students felt comfortable asking questions about careers in health care.”
Sara E. Roszak, DrPH, MPH, President of the NACDS Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: "University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is very deserving of the Inspiring Interest and Opportunities in Pharmacy Education scholarship. We look forward to seeing the outcome of this important project that will be an asset to the community it serves."
Dr. Follett is proud of this award and the dedication of current pharmacy students to making a difference outside of the classroom. She hopes the community will celebrate this achievement by supporting the ongoing efforts to inspire and educate future pharmacists and healthcare professionals.
“The funding will support hands-on learning activities for high school students, including interactive sessions that teach pharmacy concepts in a fun and engaging way. This award validates that vision and gives us the resources to expand our reach and deepen our impact. The goal is to build sustainable pharmacy outreach that, like a rock tossed into a lake, creates ripples, eventually reaching every shore,” she said.
Learn more about our PharmD program.