A new partnership between Drake and HBCUs expands access for students of color to enter Drake’s pharmacy program.
Graduates of three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be guaranteed scholarships upon admission to Drake University’s pharmacy program as part of an ongoing effort to increase diversity among Drake’s student body. Drake’s Law School has also entered into similar agreements with the same institutions.
The agreements between Drake University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo.; Lincoln University in Lincoln University, Pa.; and Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Ky., recognize that black students continue to be underrepresented nationwide in the field of pharmacy. Approximately 10 percent of pharmacists in the United States are black, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“As Drake University continues to prepare students for successful careers and meaningful personal lives, it is vital that we attract dedicated and passionate degree-seekers from all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Drake’s Provost Sue Mattison. “We are proud to form these new partnerships that will have a tangible impact on diversity in pharmacy and law, and symbolize our broader commitment to equity and inclusion on campus.”
Students interested in pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, after admission and matriculation as a full-time student in the PharmD program, will be awarded a scholarship of at least $10,000. The scholarship may be renewed in the second, third, and fourth years provided the student meets program degree requirements for eligibility and prescribed course load each fall and spring semester. This opportunity for incoming students begins fall 2018 and continues through fall 2020.
“These partnerships provide an attractive opportunity for students who may not have otherwise considered Drake for their pharmacy education,” said Renae Chesnut, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “In addition, they provide our college another avenue to fulfill our vision to be a diverse community of learners leading the way to a healthy world.”
In recent years, Drake has implemented several other programs designed to increase enrollment, retention, and career outcomes among underrepresented students, including the Crew Scholars program and Catalyst Fund. Drake’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has also created the Discover Drake: Prepare, Research, and Explore Pharmacy (D-PREP), a summer camp that introduces students to pharmacy and other health care careers and assists them in preparing for college. The College provides scholarships for underrepresented high school students to attend this program.