Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Two dozen high-achieving high school students from underrepresented populations, including many from low-income families, will spend a week on Oregon State University's Corvallis campus in mid-August to get a hands-on look at the veterinary profession.

The annual Summer Veterinary Experience feeds the students' interest in animals while also trying to make the profession more diverse.

"Our faculty work hard to provide interesting, real-world classes that will engage the interest of these talented young people," says Susan Tornquist, dean of OSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. "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."

The selected students, 20 of whom are from Oregon high schools, will work with student mentors from the College of Veterinary Medicine and also take a variety of classes, including equine acupuncture, small animal rehabilitation, and surgery skills. In addition they will work on a research project designed to develop teamwork and leadership during their time on campus, Aug. 13-18.

This is the first year out-of-state applications were accepted, and this year's students have a mean grade point average of 3.69.

"This program gives many of these students a glimpse into college life they may not have had otherwise," says Summer Veterinary Experience admissions coordinator Tess Collins. "Our goal is to provide a realistic understanding of the field of veterinary medicine, and to get participants excited about higher education, even if they decide veterinary medicine isn't for them."

The program offers scholarships, including housing and meals, to students who meet established criteria. The application cycle will be open again in March 2018. For more information, visit http://vetmed.oregonstate.edu/osu-summer-veterinary-experience.