The West Virginia University School of Pharmacy expanded its second-year interactive summer camp for high school students, adding a second session and welcoming 40 students from four states, an increase of 18 students over the inaugural camp in 2025.
The June 13 session welcomed 22 students from West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Another 18 students from West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania attended the second session June 26.
The day camp, titled "Experience the Magic of Pharmacy," took students on a theme park-inspired journey filled with adventure, discovery and hands-on learning. Through interactive activities, students explored how pharmacists use science, problem-solving and patient care skills throughout their careers.
"One of the most rewarding outcomes has been seeing students from our inaugural camp return as incoming college freshmen in our Direct Admit Pathway program, demonstrating that early exposure to pharmacy can inspire the next generation of pharmacists," said Dr. Ashleigh Barrickman, associate dean of admissions and student affairs and associate professor of Clinical Pharmacy. "We look forward to continuing to grow this program and exposing more high school students to the opportunities in the pharmacy profession."
WVU pre-pharmacy and PharmD students volunteered during both sessions, assisting with learning stations and sharing their experiences. They also participated in a Q&A session, giving campers an opportunity to learn more about pharmacy school, student life and attending WVU. Professor Emeritus Clarke Ridgway, curator of the Cook-Hayman Pharmacy Museum, led tours of the museum and introduced students to pharmacy tools, artifacts and practices from earlier generations.
The second session included additional opportunities to explore pharmacy careers and the history of the profession. Tiffany Butler, a Walgreens representative, spoke with students during lunch about career opportunities in pharmacy.
The summer camp is part of the School of Pharmacy's ongoing efforts to introduce young people to the expanding role of pharmacists and help them begin planning for college and future careers in health care.
View photos from both sessions online. For more information about the WVU School of Pharmacy, visit the WVU School of Pharmacy website.