2025-26 Community Pharmacy Student Scholars (CPSS) Program
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The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Transformation Center and the Academia-Community Transformation (ACT) Pharmacy Collaborative is excited to launch Cohort 2 of the Community Pharmacy Student Scholars (CPSS) Program. This program is designed to provide up to 20 student-faculty-practitioner triads from AACP member institutions an opportunity to participate in a hybrid longitudinal program that aims to strengthen the skills of student pharmacists’ and commitment to a career in community pharmacy practice. The program will include three virtual 2-hour module sessions held in November 2025, January 2026, April 2026, followed by an in-person workshop training focused on leadership and self-awareness and networking event at the 2026 AACP Annual Meeting in Grapevine, Texas. Students will be required to attend all three module sessions, complete pre-and post-module assignments, meet with their mentors throughout the program duration, complete a career development plan, and attend the 2026 AACP Annual Meeting to present a group poster and attend the leadership training. Students who complete all the requirements will receive a digital certificate of completion, and be recognized as a student leader in community-based pharmacy practice through social media channels.

The learning objectives of this program include:

  • Describe the various roles and responsibilities of a community pharmacist in patient care and scope of practice expansion.

  • Describe the process for career advancement in community pharmacy and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to build a sustainable career pathway. 

  • Develop a network of peers and mentors interested in community pharmacy practice. 

  • Discuss contemporary topics regarding community pharmacy practice advancement.  

  • Develop a poster to showcase a vision for the future of community pharmacy and a career development plan in community pharmacy. 

Thanks to our CHAMPION sponsor, CPESN USA and LEADING sponsor, Walgreens for there generous commitment to support the Community Pharmacy Student Scholars program. Their sponsorship will make a significant impact on our ability to deliver meaningful, high-quality programming to the students of the program.

Please view the application instructions doucment below for details on the requirements of the application as well as the Program Guide below which consists of timeline and time commitment of the accepted students as part of the program. 

For questions about the program, please contact Nidhi Gandhi-Patel, Director of Transformation and Academic Initiatives at AACP. For questions regarding the submission portal, please use the "Ask a question" icon on the bottom right of the page.

 

Please review the Program Guide and Application Instructions Documents under "Attachments" to understand all the requirements and time commitment needed to receive a certificate of completion. 

Qualified applicants will meet the following requirements. Applicants must:  

  • Be enrolled in a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program at an AACP member institution.
  • Be enrolled in an anticipated graduation class of 2028 in a four-year program or in an anticipated graduation class of 2027 in a 3-year program
  • Be in good academic standing in the Pharm.D. program
  • Have a strong interest in enhancing their skills and preparation for a career in community pharmacy practice.
  • Submit a completed application by the deadline
  • Must identify two mentors, one faculty mentor from their institution and one practicing mentor from a local community pharmacy practice, prior to completing the application
  • Agree to abide by the terms in the Community Pharmacy Student Scholars Guide (ADD LINK), including mandatory attendance at the 2026 AACP Annual Meeting. 

All eligible students are invited to apply. No more than one student will be accepted per institution.  

Student Expenses  

The student’s college or school of pharmacy must agree in advance to provide funding in the form of a fixed stipend or reimbursement model to cover expenses, such as the student’s transportation, and lodging to the 2026 AACP Annual Meeting, if accepted. AACP will cover the expenses associated with creating group posters for the meeting as well as provide complimentary registration to the 2026 AACP Annual Meeting. See Table below for estimated budget.

2026 Annual Meeting Registration$225 (Complimentary)
Hotel for 2 nights$600
Airfare$500
Ground Transportation$100
Total$1425