Early access programs, faculty mentorship and community partnerships introduce high school students to pharmacy careers.
At Concordia University Wisconsin, pharmacy education begins years before students enter PharmD coursework.
Through partnerships with local schools, national organizations and community supporters, CUW School of Pharmacy faculty create early access to pharmacy education for high school students through the Jumpstart! to Pharmacy program. These experiences help students understand the profession, its impact and viable pathways into health care.
This work was recently recognized by the Greendale School District, which honored Dr. Michael Pickart, professor in the CUW School of Pharmacy, and Dr. James Lokken, ’14, associate professor of pharmacy practice, for their leadership in youth apprenticeship and outreach initiatives.
Pickart said he and Lokken are grateful for the recognition, noting that many employers are unaware of the impact high school youth apprentices can have within their practices. Work-based learning opportunities play a vital role in supporting the development of much-needed future health care professionals and employees.
“We are confident that future Jumpstart! to Pharmacy endeavors will address these challenges while uplifting youth who may not yet recognize their passion for caring for others or clearly identify the health care career pathways they aspire to pursue,” Pickart said.
From classroom to career
Jumpstart! to Pharmacy is the CUW School of Pharmacy’s youth apprenticeship program. It introduces high school juniors and seniors who participate in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Brighter Futures Program to the pharmacy profession through hands-on learning, mentorship and exposure to professional practice.
The program was created during the 2023–24 academic year and first piloted in the 2024–25 academic year. Initially supported by a grant from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation, Jumpstart! to Pharmacy provides:
- Early exposure to pharmacy and health care careers
- Direct engagement with CUW faculty and pharmacy students
- Clear insight into the academic and professional expectations of a PharmD pathway
Jumpstart! to Pharmacy has since received national recognition from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and sustained philanthropic support from the PNC Foundation, including a recent funding renewal.
For CUW, Jumpstart! represents a long-term investment in the future pharmacy workforce.
Learning side by side with future pharmacists
CUW School of Pharmacy faculty and students play a central role as mentors and instructors in these programs.
Alongside Pickart and Lokken, pharmacy students have led workshops focused on:
- Research presentation skills
- Molecular biology techniques
- Global health research, including work related to albinism in Tanzania
This mentorship model places high school students in direct contact with future pharmacists, strengthening access, confidence and professional awareness.
“It provides an opportunity for students to improve their understanding of medicine and gain practical skills in medication management relevant to careers in pharmacy or health care,” Pickart said.
Why the pipeline matters
Pharmacy requires leaders who are scientifically prepared, ethically grounded and committed to service.
By engaging students early, Pickart said the program aims to provide youth employment opportunities that help address the financial challenges faced by their families while fostering the development of health care professionals committed to serving their home communities throughout Milwaukee.
In turn, the School of Pharmacy seeks to:
- Expand access to pharmacy education
- Strengthen the PharmD recruitment pipeline
- Build sustained school and community partnerships
- Support vocational discernment alongside academic preparation
Recognition from the Greendale School District affirms the impact of this work beyond the university campus.
Looking ahead
Programs such as Jumpstart! to Pharmacy reflect Concordia’s mission and define its approach to pharmacy education. For students considering a PharmD pathway, CUW offers early access, sustained mentorship and a learning community grounded in service.
- Click link for more information on Jumpstart! to Pharmacy
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.