FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Sonja Pagniano, Executive Director, ncpaf@ncpafoundation.org, 800-544-7447
NCPA Foundation Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
Alexandria, VA (Jan. 07, 2025) – The National Community Pharmacists Association Foundation (NCPA Foundation) is now accepting applications for its scholarship program for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Introducing the New Partners in Pharmacy (PIP) Need-Based Scholarship
This year, the NCPA Foundation is excited to introduce a new scholarship opportunity: the Partners in Pharmacy (PIP) Need-Based Scholarship. This scholarship provides $10,000 to pharmacy students who demonstrate a strong commitment to independent community pharmacy and significant financial need. “Our hope is that students who may otherwise have more difficulty pursuing independent community pharmacy will have their barriers lessened with this support,” said Jerry Shapiro, President of NCPA Foundation. “The cost of pharmacy education continues to rise annually, and we don’t want to see student discouraged from pursuing pharmacy ownership due to the increased cost they carry, even before they graduate.” Since 1915, Partners in Pharmacy has supported aspiring pharmacists through scholarships. This program has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of pharmacy students across the nation.
Diverse Scholarship Opportunities Available
In addition to the new PIP Need-Based Scholarship, the NCPA Foundation offers a variety of merit-based scholarship opportunities, including:
- Presidential Scholarship – awarded to students with demonstrated leadership qualities, academic achievement, and an interest in independent community pharmacy. Thank you to McKesson RxOwnership for their annual sponsorship of this scholarship award.
- J.C. and Rheba Cobb Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Government Affairs – awarded to a student with demonstrated leadership qualities, academic achievement, and an interest in independent community pharmacy and government affairs.
- Willard B. Simmons Memorial Scholarship for Pharmacy Management – awarded to a student with demonstrated leadership qualities, academic achievement, and an interest in independent community pharmacy and in independent pharmacy management and entrepreneurism.
- Neil Pruitt Sr. Memorial Scholarship in Entrepreneurism – awarded to a student with demonstrated leadership qualities, academic achievement, and an interest in independent community pharmacy and in entrepreneurism.
- Partners in Pharmacy Scholarship – awarded to pharmacy students for their exemplary academic performance, community service, and a demonstrated commitment to independent pharmacy. Thank you to Salvatori-Scott, Inc. for their sponsorship of two of the Partners in Pharmacy scholarships, in memory of Steve Salvatori.
Eligibility and Application Process
Eligible applicants must be NCPA student members and must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. school or college of pharmacy on a full-time basis during the term that the scholarship is awarded. Interested students can learn more about eligibility criteria and apply online at ncpafoundation.org/scholarships. Applications are due March 15, 2025.
Supporting the Future of Independent Community Pharmacy
“The NCPA Foundation is proud to continue its legacy of supporting the next generation of pharmacy owners,” said Sharon Sherrer, NCPA Foundation President-Elect. “These scholarships provide invaluable financial assistance to aspiring pharmacists and encourage them to pursue careers in independent community pharmacy.”
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The NCPA Foundation is an independent nonprofit, philanthropic 501(c)3 organization established in 1953. The foundation is committed to improving community-based healthcare access by supporting efforts that promote the sustainability and growth of independent community pharmacists, the most accessible healthcare provider, through scholarships, grants, and ownership development. Contributions to the foundation are tax-deductible as charitable donations to the extent permitted under federal tax law. For more information, go to www.ncpafoundation.org.