Two University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy students are celebrating a major achievement that will help them focus on their studies and future careers in pharmacy.
Ally Nielsen and Subina Saini have each been awarded $20,000 scholarships through the 2025 CVS Health Foundation/AACP Community Pharmacy Award for Student Pharmacists. The pair were selected from a competitive pool of 355 applicants nationwide, with only 21 students receiving the honor this year.
The scholarship recognizes outstanding student pharmacists committed to improving health outcomes and patient well-being in communities across the United States. This year marked an expansion of eligibility to include both first- and second-year students, nearly doubling the applicant pool and making the selection process even more competitive.
Community pharmacy represents the heart of what many patients know pharmacy to be, and that connection continues to inspire my passion ...
Nielsen, Class of 2028, says the scholarship will allow her to further explore the pharmacy profession and develop the skills necessary to become the patient-centered pharmacist she aspires to be. Her interest in the profession peaked during a shadowing experience.
"Community pharmacy represents the heart of what many patients know pharmacy to be, and that connection continues to inspire my passion for the field," she says. "While community pharmacy sparked my journey, I remain open to exploring new areas and specialties. This scholarship reinforces my commitment to lifelong learning and serving others."
Being selected as a recipient of this scholarship is deeply meaningful to me, as it affirms my commitment to promoting health equity ...
Through volunteering at free medical clinics and gaining experience in pharmacology and health equity research, Saini has seen how pharmacists can bridge gaps in care, especially for people who face barriers due to cost, language or access.
"These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career where I can combine scientific knowledge with compassion and service," she says. "Being selected as a recipient of this scholarship is deeply meaningful to me, as it affirms my commitment to promoting health equity and motivates me to keep learning about the many ways pharmacists can improve lives in underserved communities."
Topics: Pharm.D. Program