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PharmD

STEP – Students Exploring Pharmacy

A Summer Program for High School Students

Program Overview

Students Exploring Pharmacy (STEP) is a 4-day program designed to inspire high school students as they explore pharmacy as a career option. Students engage in hands-on activities that provide an introduction to pharmacy practice and perspective on the numerous ways a pharmacist contributes to improving people’s health—in ways that go far beyond dispensing medications.

UW School of Pharmacy faculty, who are nationally-known experts, teach classes and facilitate activities. The UW School of Pharmacy is ranked in the top 10 nationally and internationally and has pioneered leading-edge pharmacy practices.

Quick Glance

  • 2026 Program dates: Mon, July 13 – Th, July 16, 2026
  • 2026 Program application closes: Th, April 30, 2026
  • 2026 Program application notifications: early June
  • Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply, priority given to rising juniors and seniors

Apply Now

Applications include the following materials:

  • Application Form
  • A 250-word maximum personal statement included in the application
    • What sparked your interest in pharmacy, healthcare or related fields, and what do you hope to learn about by participating in the STEP program? Please include any personal or lived experiences that may have shaped your interests.
  • One recommendation from a teacher, counselor/advisor, other school official, or supervisor
    • Your recommender will receive a link via email to submit their recommendation within 5-7 business days after you submit the application form.

Included in the Program

  • Conversations with pharmacists from multiple specialty areas 
  • Interaction with UW faculty and current pharmacy students 
  • Exposure to a wide range of pharmacy career pathways 
  • Hands‑on, interactive activities related to pharmacy and healthcare 
  • School of Pharmacy program materials 

Eligibility

Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply, including rising freshman to rising seniors.

Fee

The STEP program fee is $200 (non‑refundable) due at the time of confirmation of acceptance, which includes: 

  • All course activities 
  • Program materials
  • Lunch each day 

Students who qualify for the federal free/reduced-price school lunch program may also be eligible to receive a scholarship for the STEP program.

Pharmacy as a Career

Pharmacists are medication experts who collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to treat and prevent illness and to support patients in managing their health. Their extensive training prepares them to optimize medication therapy and improve quality of life. 

Pharmacists work in diverse settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, long‑term care facilities, and research labs.  

Careers in pharmacy consistently rate highly for salary, job satisfaction, work‑life balance, and growth potential. Learn more about a career in pharmacy.

Learn More about STEP

Image of students in STEP program, links to video

FAQ’s

You’ll participate in interactive presentations, labs, discussion groups, tours, and workshops. Activities include basic medication compounding, exploring treatment approaches for common illnesses, learning about medication safety and quality, and practicing clinical skills. 

Scholarships include a partial or full waiver of the program fee plus daily lunch.

Yes! Students engage in hands‑on activities, games, and campus tours. We recommend comfortable shoes. 

To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 (voice), 206-543-6452 (TTY), 206-685-7264 (fax), or dso@uw.edu. The University of Washington makes every effort to honor disability accommodation requests. Requests can be responded to most effectively if received as far in advance of the event as possible, preferably at least 10 days.

UW School of Pharmacy
uwpharmd@uw.edu
206-543-6100