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CORVALLIS, Ore. - The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine is offering a summer veterinary experience to academically talented, low-income, and minority high school students, as one part of efforts to make the veterinary profession more diverse.

In mid-August, 16 high school students will spend one week on the OSU campus. They will work with college student-mentors and take veterinary classes such as small animal rehabilitation, large animal examination and surgery skills lab. The students will also pursue a "One Health" research project and learn about preparing for college, teamwork and leadership skills.

"Our faculty work hard to provide interesting, real-world classes that will engage the interest of these talented young people," says Dean Susan Tornquist. "Many past participants came to the program with a vague interest in veterinary medicine, among other fields, but they left with a passion for the profession."

Admittance to the program is selective, based on academic performance, family income, ethnic background, and other factors. The program offers scholarships, including housing and meals, to students who meet established criteria, and most students are the first generation in their family to attend college. The application cycle will be open again in March, 2017. For more information, visit vetmed.oregonstate.edu/youth-summer-program.