High School Programs

Changing Faces of Pharmacy Program

Overview

In recognition of its mission as a Catholic, Vincentian, metropolitan,  and global and University, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) created the Urban Institute in 2004. 

The Urban Institute is an institute without walls. It is an “umbrella” for programs that provide students, faculty, pharmacists, physician assistants and other health-care providers with the opportunity to research and better understand how health-care needs are affected by the environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural characteristics of New York City’s diverse communities, especially its low-income and immigrant populations.

Consistent with its mission, the Urban Institute has developed opportunities for CPHS faculty and students to engage with New York City middle schools and high school students to increase awareness of the pharmacy and health sciences professions.

In response to this need, the Urban Institute has developed its flagship educational outreach program, the “Changing Faces of Pharmacy.” This innovative enrichment program for high school students with an interest in pharmacy and/or health care introduces and broadens their understanding of the pharmacy profession and pharmacy curriculum by pairing them with current Doctor of Pharmacy students.

The Changing Faces of Pharmacy Program requires high school students to apply for admission. This program is free of charge to all students accepted into the program. Accepted students will participate in a 4- month long longitudinal program. Parental/guardian permission is a required component of the application. The students are then assigned a mentor who is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Students have the opportunity to participate in select programming throughout the academic year at St. John’s University. The Changing Faces of Pharmacy Program was launched in 2012 and has been offered on an annual basis since that time. The Changing Faces Program has been met with great success and enthusiasm by participants.  

Application Process

Criteria for High School Students

• You must be a full-time high school student with an interest in pursuing a career in health care, particularly in pharmacy.
• You must be able to commit to attending the full program and be available for periodic communication/meetings with your student pharmacist mentor.
• High School students must attend all of the following events:
  • Program Orientation, Overview of Pharmacy, and Pharmacy Laboratory Simulation: (Date TBD)
  • Virtual Pharm.D. Student Mentorship Session (Date TBD)
  • Virtual Pharmacy Profession Career Panel: (Date TBD)  
  • University Open House and Program Certificate: (Date TBD)

• You must submit a completed parental consent and acknowledgement form.

  The 2025 Changing Faces of Pharmacy Program has concluded with a record number of participants! Please monitor this website for plans for the 2026 Changing Faces of Pharmacy (high school student application to be released in March 2026).  

Eligibility Requirements for Student Pharmacist Mentors

• Mentors must be Doctor of Pharmacy students in their P1–P4 years who are in good academic standing (with a grade point average of 3.0 or above)

• Mentors must attend all of the following events:

  • Program Orientation, Overview of Pharmacy, and Pharmacy Laboratory Simulation: (Date TBD)
  • Virtual Pharm.D. Student Mentorship: (Date TBD)
  • Virtual Pharmacy Profession Career Panel: (Date TBD)
  • University Open House and Program Certificate Ceremony: (Date TBD)

  The 2025 Changing Faces of Pharmacy Program has concluded with wonderful contributions from our mentors! Please monitor this website for plans for the 2026 Changing Faces of Pharmacy (mentor application anticipated to be released in March 2026).