New York pharmacist program reaches out to underserved high school students

The Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Long Island University’s Brooklyn (N.Y.) Campus and the Campus’ Liberty Partnership Program debuted a “Future Pharmacists Program” this past summer. The aim is to provide high school students from traditionally underserved groups and neighborhoods the exposure to careers in pharmacy.

Students enrolled in the Future Pharmacists Program will continue to participate during the academic school year, and a summer program will be available again in July 2011.

“The College of Pharmacy has a significant commitment to increase the enrollment of minority and at-risk students,” said Stephen Gross, dean emeritus of the College of Pharmacy. “The pharmacy profession provides a unique opportunity to ensure that such students gain access to the health professions, so they can serve their communities.”

Junior and senior students from high schools in Brooklyn are eligible for the program, which is funded by the New York State Education Department. It consists of 3 segments - the changing role of the pharmacist, careers in pharmacy, and educational preparation for pharmacy college and career development.