The CVS Health Minority Scholarship for Pharmacy Students was awarded to five outstanding underrepresented minority (URM) student pharmacists who are currently pursuing their PharmD degree. Selected awardees demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic success, and a commitment to advancing the profession of pharmacy and patient care. This scholarship  will support them in their goal of becoming pharmacists by reducing financial barriers.

Let’s meet the recipients and learn what this scholarship means to them:

Funmilola Olateru-Olagbegi

Funmilola is a P2 at Notre Dame of Maryland University and had this to say:

I have faced many challenges as a minority student pursuing a career in the field of pharmacy. Despite my struggles, I have managed to utilize my drive to keep me on my path. With this prestigious scholarship, I will be granted the opportunity to fully focus on further developing my craft as a student pharmacist. I hope to not only excel at my current and future leadership opportunities within pharmacy school but also aim to propel the field of pharmacy with my skills, experience, and innovative mindset.

Ama Boamah

Ama is a P1 at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and said this:

“I am honored to be a recipient of the CVS Health Minority Scholarship. My motivation growing up was to give back to my community, and being a pharmacist was the best way I saw myself serving underrepresented groups.
When I got into pharmacy school, the thought of taking out loans weighed on me. As a recipient of the CVS Health Minority Scholarship, some financial burdens associated with pharmacy school has been alleviated and will offer me the opportunity to focus more on my personal, educational and professional development. The empowerment I have received from this scholarship will fuel my zeal to do better always, not only for me, but the greater world. Through this generous scholarship, I will have more time to take up more volunteering roles that focus on bridging health disparities for minority groups.”

Clinton Osei

Clinton is a P1 at The Ohio State University School of Pharmacy and shared:

“My name is Clinton Osei, and I recently achieved a significant milestone by completing my bachelor’s degree and earning a Master’s degree. This accomplishment is particularly special to my family and me because I am the first person in my family to attain such a high level of education. Unfortunately, both of my parents couldn’t graduate from high school due to the lack of resources and educational opportunities in our home country, Ghana.

Currently, I am pursuing my dream of becoming a pharmacist, which has been both a blessing and a burden. On one hand, it is an exciting journey, but on the other hand, the financial responsibilities associated with the program pose challenges. As a young adult, I strive to contribute and alleviate some of the financial burden on my parents. They are already working two jobs to support my siblings, while I take care of the household bills.

My passion for becoming a clinician has always been stronger than any of the life challenges I have faced. This determination is the primary reason why I am seeking financial support for the pharmacy program. If I am fortunate enough to be awarded this scholarship, I intend to utilize it to pay off my tuition, which will help me stay focused and excel in my academics.

With the scholarship’s assistance, my family can direct their attention to taking care of my siblings, rather than having to work double shifts and struggle to meet my financial needs while I am in the program. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and eventually contributing back to my community and society as a whole. Thank you for considering my application for this scholarship.”

Jahlyn Hayes

Jahlyn is a P2 at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and said:

This scholarship provides me the opportunity to focus solely on my academic and professional development. With the pressure of loans and lingering holds relieved, I can focus on becoming the best nuclear pharmacy student and professional that I can be–both presently and in the near future.

YiuTing Huang

YiuTing is a P2 at the University of Florida and had this to say:

“As a first generation Asian American born in the island of Puerto Rico, the CVS Health Minority scholarship will not only provide me with financial freedom but also help me become fully immersed into the profession and be able to prepare myself to provide the highest quality health care there is.

I am honored to represent the CVS Health Minority Scholarship throughout my career, encouraging others that no matter your background, and the difficulties you encounter, if you work hard enough, doors will open for you, giving you the opportunity to inspire.”

Congratulations to all of the recipients on this great accomplishment!

To read AACP’s official press release, go here.