College receives new grant to support pharmacy workforce initiatives

March 2026 – To continue the work of preparing future pharmacists and improving overall health outcomes for vulnerable populations, the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy has announced a new grant of $989,745 that will be paid over three years from the McKesson Foundation. The funding will continue to support two initiatives designed to better support doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students and to enhance the caliber of the pharmacy workforce. The college received a similar grant in 2022.

The program, “Rooted in Community, Rising to CARE,” addresses workforce shortages and health barriers through a comprehensive pharmacy workforce development continuum equipping students from high school through professional education.

The first initiative, PharmD Pathways Program, increases awareness of pharmacy careers among middle school, high school, and undergraduate students and supports early exposure, academic preparation, and mentorship, building a foundation for pursuing pharmacy education. The signature component of this initiative, the PhaRx (Pharmacy Academic Roadmap and Exploration) Immersion Program, is a transformative experience that provides hands-on exposure to the field of pharmacy for high school students from the Duluth-Superior area and greater Minnesota.

The second initiative, BE ME Advance Program, is a newly launched, innovative, community-centered professional pathway for PharmD students wanting to gain insight on how to be equipped to serve high-need and under-resourced communities. The program offers a focused professional track that integrates immersive learning experiences, longitudinal clinical training, and leadership development. BE ME Advance prepares students to navigate complex healthcare systems within diverse communities while remaining grounded in purpose, belonging, and service. Participants gain hands-on exposure to rural and under-resourced areas while developing cultural and systems awareness. The program strengthens sustained relationships between future pharmacists and the communities they serve. Through this model, BE ME Advance supports the development of a workforce equipped to lead with care and community accountability.

“This generous grant enhances our ability to support initiatives that develop and expand the pharmacy workforce in our state,” said Kip Guy, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “We are grateful for the McKesson Foundation’s ongoing partnership in our work to advance the health of all Minnesotans.”

“Each year, millions of people face barriers in receiving essential care – driven by factors ranging from affordability to geography. Through funding for pharmacy school programs like the University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy, the McKesson Foundation is investing in the next generation of pharmacists and improving healthcare the communities they serve,” said Melissa Thompson, president of the McKesson Foundation. “By supporting innovative student programming, professional development, and community-based outreach, we are helping strengthen patient-pharmacist relationships and expand access to high-quality care.“

About the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy

Founded in 1892, the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy is the only pharmacy school in Minnesota with campuses in the Twin Cities and in Duluth. The College of Pharmacy’s mission is to improve health through innovative education, pioneering research and interdisciplinary practice development that attends to the diverse needs of the people of Minnesota and the world. For more information about the College of Pharmacy, visit pharmacy.umn.edu.