Simon Youth Foundation and corporate partner CVS put students on pathway to success

SimonYouth Foundation student Chasney Johnson was nearly speechless when it came around to her turn to speak.

 

The few words she was able to utter communicated well the significance of the moment.

“I wanted this opportunity so bad – I just had to have it,” Johnson excitedly explained to the group of about 45 in attendance.

SYF students participating in CVS Pathways to Pharmacy

Johnson is one of nine Indianapolis, Ind., students selected by SYF and CVS/pharmacyfor their joint summer internship program, Pathways to Pharmacy. She spoke at a dinner hosted Wednesday, June 13, to kick off the 2012 program in the Circle City.

“After a rigorous application and interview process, selected students work internships at their local CVS pharmacy location that expose them to every element of pharmacy operations,” says Julie Carriere, the coordinator of education services at SYF.

As a part of the program, participants earn a State of Indiana Pharmacist Technician license, and SYF provides a $1,000 stipend to each student who successfully completes the six-week program.

As interns, SYF students will primarily work as pharmacy technicians, interacting directly with CVS customers while filling their prescriptions.

“The SYF mission is about much more than helping students earn a high school diploma,” Carriere says. “We leverage our partnerships to give our students access to personal and professional development opportunities that can change lives, and we are proud that CVS shares in this effort.”

“We understand what many SYF students have been through, and it is clear that these are dedicated students who want to be successful,” says Diana Poledna, the CVS/pharmacy Intern Coordinator for Central Indiana. “I am excited for them and for my company, because this is a great opportunity for everyone involved.”

Since 2007, 93 students from Simon Youth Academies in seven states have participated in Pathways to Pharmacy and its sister program, Pathways to Logistics, which places SYF students in positions at CVS distribution centers. More than 10 have maintained long-term employment with CVS after completing their internships.