The Student Advocacy and Relations (SPARx) Program was created over this past school year as TPA looked to address the needs of students. It’s creation and implementation was student-led, as student representatives from each of the pharmacy schools in Texas worked together to design the content that they thought would be most relevant for their peers. The goal was to “spark” a fire in students across the state and have them become engaged in advocating and building positive relationships that will strengthen the profession. To advocate means to speak up, plead the case of another, or to champion a cause. Advocacy is not just going to the state Capitol every other year. It is advocating every day for your profession with your patients in your community as well as with policy-makers.

The four modules in the SPARx Program are “Advocating in Your Community,” “Inter/& Intraprofessional Collaboration,” “Regulation,” and “Legislation.” Students complete each module by attending a workshop at their school, which is led by Student TPA leaders. The workshop consists of a student created presentation, and watching a video interview with a practicing pharmacist from Texas who shares their knowledge and insights on the topic. After the workshop, students then complete a mini-project and reflection, which helps them apply what they have learned.  Students who complete all the modules will be awarded a certificate.  This past school year, TPA implemented two of the modules “Advocating in Your Community” and “Inter/& Intraprofessional Collaboration” which received very positive reviews from students, faculty, and pharmacy leaders in the state. Moving forward, all four modules will be completed by students every year; two per semester.

As Student Chair of TPA-ASP, I am very proud of the work that the student TPA leaders across the state were able to accomplish by creating the SPARx Program. I was able to witness firsthand as students from different schools worked together to create it. This is one of the greatest strengths of the program, as it can be modified by students each year to remain relevant. It was very exciting to watch and participate. The lesson that it teaches is something that every pharmacy student needs because our profession more than ever needs strong advocates.