(160) Enhancing Educational Outcomes for Hispanic/LatinX Scholars in Pharmacy Education

Objective :

Objective: This study evaluates the impact of the HRSA-funded Hispanic Center of Excellence in Pharmacy (HCEP) at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy, initiated in 2022, on improving educational outcomes for Hispanic/LatinX PharmD and Pharm Tech scholars.

Methods:

Methods: Our analysis encompassed admissions, scholarship allocations, and academic performance data for the HCEP cohorts in the PharmD and Pharm Tech programs during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years. The HCEP program, aimed at promoting academic achievement, offers scholarships, bespoke academic training, and comprehensive support services to students at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy (PharmD students) and San Manuel Gateway College (Pharm Tech students).

Results:

Results: Key findings reveal a 43.75% increase in PharmD HCEP scholars—from 16 students in the 2022-23 cohort to 23 in the 2023-24 cohort—and a significant rise in first-time PharmD student enrollment from 10.9% to 37.0% of the P1 class, notably with over 80% being first-generation college attendees. The on-time progression rate for PharmD HCEP students was high, at 92.7% for the 2022-23 cohort and 87.0% for the 2023-24 cohort. The Pharm Tech program at San Manuel Gateway College maintained consistent enrollment, with six graduates in the 2022-23 academic year and six current enrollees.

Conclusions:

Conclusions: The HCEP program has markedly enhanced the enrollment and academic success of Hispanic/LatinX PharmD and Pharm Tech students by delivering essential financial, academic, and non-academic support. This highlights the effectiveness of focused initiatives in advancing higher education accomplishments among underrepresented demographics.