Evolution and assessment of a service-learning nutrition pharmacy program

IntroductionA service-learning nutrition course was established for pharmacy students at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1999. This program has been sustained and improved upon as an integral part of the curriculum over the last 13 years.MethodsA partnership was established with Aurora Public Schools to allow first-year pharmacy students to deliver a series of nutrition and healthy lifestyle lessons to children in third, fourth, and fifth grade in 28 classrooms across four different elementary schools.ResultsPharmacy students reported satisfaction with lesson delivery, team dynamics, and improved communication, listening, and leadership skills. Elementary school teachers reported satisfaction with the lessons and increased learning and enjoyment from their students. Teachers scored pharmacy students high (average of 95.4% and 94.3%) across two semesters for their performance.ConclusionsA pharmacy student service-learning program has been maintained and improved upon, meeting goals for both the pharmacy students as well as elementary school children. This partnership is perceived as valuable from all parties involved.