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Medical College of Wisconsin Pre-Pharmacy Scholars Program

This program exposes high school and college students in the Milwaukee area to pharmacy career opportunities. Beginning with a summer boot camp on the Medical College of Wisconsin campus, students explore various pharmacy career pathways and engage in hands-on compounding and vitals collection activities.
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Pre-Pharmacy Scholars group photo standing on a staircase at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Program Eligibility

High school and college students are eligible to apply for the Pre-Pharmacy Scholars Program.

To participate, scholars are required to attend a summer boot camp in person at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Scholars must have their own transportation to the MCW campus - transportation assistance is not available.

There is no cost to attend. Daily lunch is provided.

Pre-Pharmacy Scholars Boot Camp
Monday, August 3 - Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Daily Check-in at 8:30 a.m. 
Programming from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Medical College of Wisconsin 
8701 Watertown Plank Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53226


The application period for the 2026 Pre-Pharmacy Scholars Program is closed. Each year, the application opens in February and the deadline to apply is April 30. Acceptance to the program is announced within the first two weeks of May.

Record Number of Applicants for Third Year of MCW Pre-Pharmacy Scholars Program

“This dynamic initiative is designed to inspire future pharmacists. We are excited to see the significant growth of the program and look forward to continued expansion to educate future pharmacists and emphasize the evolving role of the pharmacist."

-Abir El-Alfy, PhD, assistant dean for student affairs and professor
Read more

Program Highlights

The Pre-Pharmacy Scholars Program aligns with the four pillars of the Medical College of Wisconsin: Education, Research, Patient Care and Community Engagement.
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Education

Scholars will learn about the role of pharmacists in improving health outcomes. They will explore career opportunities, participate in interactive activities, and receive guidance on the pharmacy school application and interview process.

Through structured networking and engagement opportunities, scholars will build connections with student pharmacists and practicing pharmacists. Experiences may include shadowing pharmacists at their practice sites and meeting with current Pharmacists to discuss career aspirations and opportunities at the MCW School of Pharmacy.

Research
Scholars will explore research areas with exposure to bench research, clinical research and community engaged research. 
Patient Care
Scholars will participate in vitals lab activities, learning to measure body temperature and read blood pressure.
Community Engagement
Scholars will gain knowledge on community engaged principles and community engaged research.   

Questions?

We invite high school and college students in the Milwaukee area to reach out with questions about the Pre-Pharmacy Scholars Program.

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Abir T. El-Alfy, PhD, MS

Associate Dean of Student Affairs; Professor – Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences

aelalfy@mcw.edu

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Sarah McDaniel, MEd

Education Program Coordinator II

smcdaniel@mcw.edu

smcdaniel@mcw.edu

Meet with Sarah

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