15 Pharmacy Summer Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 5 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you’re a high school student planning to major in pharmacy or build a career in the healthcare field, joining a pharmacy summer program is a practical way to see what the subject is really about.
What are pharmacy summer programs?
Pharmacy summer programs introduce you to the study of drugs, chemistry, and patient care, giving you a first look at how pharmacists are trained and how medicines are developed and used. They are usually hosted by universities or medical schools and often include lab sessions, workshops, and discussions with professionals in the field. You learn how drugs work in the body, how they are tested for safety, and how pharmacists support patient treatment.
Why should I apply as a high school student?
Completing a pharmacy summer program can also help your college applications stand out. It shows that you’ve taken initiative to explore a healthcare pathway early, built a basic understanding of pharmaceutical science, and gained hands-on experience. It can also help you confirm whether pharmacy or another area of healthcare is the right fit for you.
To help you get started, we’ve listed 15 pharmacy summer programs for high school students!
15 Pharmacy Summer Programs for High School Students
Location: Little Rock, AR
Cost/Stipend: Costs $150 inclusive of lab materials, activity supplies, meals, and a t-shirt
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective admission
Dates: June 1–3
Application Deadline: Applications open in December and typically end in advance of the Summer season
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors interested in the pharmacy profession
The UAMS College of Pharmacy Summer Camp is a three-day program for high school juniors and seniors interested in learning about pharmacy. You take part in interactive sessions led by UAMS faculty and local pharmacists, where you learn about pharmacy practice through real lab work and demonstrations. Current pharmacy students guide you through activities that show what studying and working in the field is like. The camp offers a practical introduction to pharmacy careers and helps you develop early professional skills.
Location: Remote, you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Cost: $125, which includes meals, lab materials, and field trip transport
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection
Dates: June 24 – 25
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with an interest in pharmaceutical sciences
Mercer University’s Pharmacy Scholars Summer Program (PSSP) is a two-day program for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in pharmacy. You take part in hands-on labs, workshops, and sessions led by pharmacy students, faculty, and professionals. The program introduces you to areas such as patient care, drug information, and professional ethics. You rotate through modules that give you a clear view of how the field works while touring Mercer’s pharmacy facilities and meeting current students, alumni, and faculty. Cohort sizes are small and registration is competitive, offering a focused setting for students who want to explore pharmacy as a future career.
4. PharmAcademy
Location: Downers Grove, IL
Cost/Stipend: $210 with lab materials and lunch meals
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached (48 seats max)
Dates: June 23–27
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
PharmAcademy is a week-long summer program at Midwestern University’s College of Pharmacy in Downers Grove, Illinois, for high school students interested in pharmacy. You spend five days on campus learning from faculty, pharmacists, alumni, and current pharmacy students. The program covers pharmaceutical sciences, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, and clinical practice through hands-on sessions. You practice medication compounding, blood pressure checks, infection control, and opioid overdose response. Team activities such as scavenger hunts, mock emergency labs, and escape room challenges help you build problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Location: College of Pharmacy,Tallahassee
Cost: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students
Dates: July 13 – July 16
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to high school students from grades 10-12
The Emerging Pharmacists Summer Camp at Florida A&M University is a four-day residential program for high school students in grades 10 to 12 who want to explore pharmacy and college preparation. You take part in lab sessions such as prescription compounding, attend SAT and ACT prep workshops, and join discussions on pharmacy careers and college planning with students, faculty, and professionals. You stay on campus for the full program, experiencing university life while connecting with peers and mentors who share your interests.
Location: Albany, NY
Cost: $400; partial scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited slots, but not a very competitive selection
Dates: 5-day summer camp in July
Application Deadline: Not specified on the website
Eligibility: Open to high school students with an interest in pharmacy or health science
The Pharmacy Summer Camp at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a pre-college program for high school students interested in pharmaceutical sciences and healthcare. Held on the ACPHS campus in Albany, New York, the camp introduces you to pharmacy through lab work, simulations, and guest lectures. You learn from faculty, mentors, and current pharmacy students while exploring topics such as drug development, medication management, patient care, and ethics.
Location: Seattle, WA
Cost: $100 with lab materials and lunch
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective and competitive; typically only accepts 30 participants
Dates: 4-day summer camp in July
Application Deadline: The Deadline for applications is in April
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors
The Summer Teen Experience in Pharmacy (STEP) is a four-day program hosted by the University of Washington School of Pharmacy for high school students in grades 9 to 12. The program introduces you to pharmacy through lab work, workshops, and mentorship. You explore topics such as drug compounding, patient care, and pharmacy operations while engaging in interactive labs, campus tours, and small-group sessions with current students and faculty. Held on the UW Seattle campus, STEP gives you a practical overview of pharmacy education and career paths while helping you build confidence and essential skills.
Location: Richmond, VA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: 1-week summer camp in July
Application Deadline: The Deadline isn’t specified on the website
Eligibility: Open to students from grades 9-12 with an interest in pharmacy
VCU Pharmacy Summer Scholars is a free, week-long program for high school students in grades 9 through 12, hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Pharmacy. The program introduces you to pharmacy through lab activities, workshops, and campus tours. You work with faculty mentors and current pharmacy students to learn about patient care, medication safety, and the pharmacist’s role in healthcare. The program helps you explore pharmacy as a career while developing practical skills in a university setting.
Location: Amarillo & Abilene, TX
Cost: Varies between $90 $125, offers scholarships for qualified applicants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Capped at 24 students per session
Dates: 1-week summer camp in June
Application Deadline: The Deadline to apply is in June
Eligibility: Rising high school students from grades 9-12 with an interest in pharmaceutical sciences
Rx Summer Camp at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a STEM-focused program for high school students in grades 9 through 12. Held across TTUHSC campuses, the camp introduces you to pharmacy and healthcare through lab exercises, field trips, and faculty-led sessions. You learn about compounding, anatomy, and healthcare systems while working with pharmacists and mentors. The program includes interactive projects and visits to local pharmacy sites, offering a close look at the field. Fees vary by campus and cover meals, supplies, and materials.
Location: Madison, WI
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots available
Dates: 1-week summer camp in July
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an interest in pharmaceutical science
The Pharmacy Summer Program (PSP) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a free, five-day residential camp for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in pharmacy. Hosted by the UW–Madison School of Pharmacy, the program introduces you to the field through workshops, campus tours, and sessions with faculty, pharmacists, and current students. You explore areas like compounding, pharmacotherapy, medication safety, and career options in pharmaceutical sciences. The program also includes admissions guidance and panel discussions that help you understand the academic path to a PharmD.
Location: Buffalo, NY
Cost: $150 fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection
Dates: 3-day summer program in July
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: Open to high school and college students interested in math, science, and health professions, particularly those with an interest in pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences
The Pharmacy Summer Institute (PSI) at the University at Buffalo is a three-day enrichment program for high school and college students interested in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Hosted by UB’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the program combines academic learning with professional mentorship. You take part in lab exercises, pharmacy simulations, and workshops led by faculty, researchers, and practicing pharmacists. The curriculum covers drug development, patient care, and clinical decision-making, giving you insight into pharmacy education and careers. You also tour research labs and campus facilities while connecting with current students and professionals.
Location: Searcy, AR
Cost: $450 and includes housing, meals, supplies, a t-shirt, and more
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: 1-week summer program in June
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and rising college freshmen with an interest in healthcare or pharmacy
Harding University’s Pharmacy Camp is a week-long summer program designed for high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and rising college freshmen who are interested in exploring pharmacy as a career. Hosted on Harding’s campus in Searcy, Arkansas, and run in collaboration with Walgreens, the camp offers a hands-on introduction to pharmaceutical sciences and healthcare practice. You participate in lab sessions, seminars, and interactive exercises led by Harding faculty and practicing pharmacists. Topics include drug compounding, medication education, and the broader healthcare environment.
Location: Claremont, CA
Cost: $25
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, has 15 seats reserved for community college students
Dates: 1-week summer session in July
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors and undergraduates
The Pre-Pharmacy Enrichment Program (PrEP) is a one-week summer program designed for high school seniors and undergraduate students who are considering a future in pharmacy. Hosted by the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, PrEP offers an immersive experience where you work closely with faculty, student mentors, and peers to explore pharmacy career paths through interactive workshops, case studies, and group projects. You learn about pharmaceutical sciences, patient care, and professional ethics while gaining insight into academic expectations and career options. The program helps you make informed decisions about your future in pharmacy and prepares you for the transition into college or pharmacy school.
Location: Lawrence, KS
Cost: Varies, ranging from $75 for a day camp to $250 for an overnight camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection
Dates: Vary by cohort but typically in June
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in pharmacy
The University of Kansas Pharmacy Summer Camp is held each June for high school juniors, seniors, and incoming college freshmen. The program places you alongside KU pharmacy faculty and current students to explore non-sterile compounding, patient counseling, and clinical practice. You also visit KU’s research labs to understand how pharmacists work in both academic and clinical settings. You can choose between day or overnight options, with fees adjusted accordingly. The day camp includes meals and materials, while the overnight option adds housing, transportation, and supplies. Enrollment is limited, so participation depends on selection, giving each group a focused and hands-on experience.
Location: Miami, FL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited slots - competitive entry
Dates: 2-day camp in August
Application Deadline: July
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors, seniors, and students entering their freshman year of college with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above
Larkin University’s College of Pharmacy Summer Camp is a free, two-day program designed for high school juniors, seniors, and incoming college freshmen who are interested in exploring pharmacy. Held on Larkin’s campus in Miami Gardens, Florida, the camp offers early exposure to the field through hands-on lab activities and guided mentorship. You shadow faculty and pharmacy professionals as they demonstrate key aspects of clinical, educational, and research work in pharmaceutical science. The curriculum includes lab exercises, interactive demonstrations, and discussions that help you understand the day-to-day responsibilities of pharmacists and the academic path required to enter the profession.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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