Buies Creek–CVS Pharmacy has announced that it will partner with Campbell University’s Pharmacy Readiness and Enrichment program (PREP) which seeks to expose minority students with an aptitude for science to career options in pharmacy and prepares them for the Pharmacy College Admissions exam.Recognizing the need for cultural and ethnic diversity in the pharmacy profession, Campbell University obtained a state grant to implement the PREP program in 2006. The program relies upon strong relationships with partner institutions Central Carolina Community College, Fayetteville State University, Shaw University and the University of Carolina at Pembroke. These institutions identify and encourage minority students with a minimum of 40 semester undergraduate hours and a 3.0 grade point average to participate in the PREP program. Through corporate funds and grants from the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust, the CVS company will sponsor as many as six students in the PREP program at a total cost of $5,000 per student.”Often minority students are not exposed to career options in the field of pharmacy,” said Dr. Ronald Maddox, dean of the Campbell University School of Pharmacy. “During this summer program, we give students the tools that will change their lives and career path.” As a result of CVS’ support, Campbell will increase PREP enrollment numbers from 50 to 55 students for the 2008 course. Once these students complete the PREP program, CVS will select those in the top 10 percent to participate in a paid internship with local CVS pharmacies. In addition, the pharmacy chain will continue to sponsor the students through academic scholarships while they attend pharmacy school. Upon graduation, they will also be offered employment opportunities with CVS.”It’s a win-win situation,” said Maddox. “We’re excited about partnering with CVS, not just because they are the largest and one of the most respected pharmacy chains in the nation, but because they are also very committed to education.”
CVS partners with Campbell to promote minority pharmacists