Growing our own pharmacists: Pharmacy high school minority summer camp

Minority enrollment in pharmacy schools across the nation continues to be low despite the increased diversity of the United States population. High school recruitment programs may be a means to increase minority interest and representation within the profession of pharmacy. A summer camp was offered to minority high school students with an interest in a future healthcare career. The goal of the camp was to change the perception of pharmacy as a future career choice in minority high school students. During the camp, students participated in community pharmacy visits, pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical science laboratory activities, campus tours along with faculty and pharmacy student interactions. Students indicated a positive change in their perception of a career in pharmacy after completion of the pharmacy summer camp. The camp may be used as a model to stimulate interest and awareness of pharmacy as a future career option among minority high school students.