Photo courtesy Vet Set Go Teens and tweens interested in a career in veterinary medicine are invited to submit an essay and win a spot in Auburn University’s seventh annual junior vet summer camp. Vet Set Go and VCA Animal Hospitals are offering scholarships for the “Become a Veterinarian” camp, which offers hands-on learning to sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students. This year, the online essay contest is expanding to award 45 students across the U.S. with scholarship prize packages (including camp tuition, materials, and room and board, estimated at $1,200) to attend the camp, which takes place June 18 to 23 at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine campus in Alabama. “Vet Set Go is proud to offer young, aspiring veterinarians an even greater opportunity this year to access the in-person, hands-on veterinary experience they are craving,” says Vet Set Go’s founder and president, Chris Carpenter, DVM. “We know what it’s like to have a future veterinarian in your home and are honored to provide this once-in-a-lifetime scholarship opportunity for 45 teens and tweens to explore their dream.” The contest is open to students entering sixth through eighth grade in fall 2023. With the help of a parent or guardian, student entrants are asked to complete a short essay (300 words or less), addressing at least one of the following topics: Why they want to be a veterinarian Why they love animals What they have done to get animal experience or learn more about science Campers will experience first-hand learning in veterinary medicine at Auburn University classrooms, laboratories, and outdoor facilities. The curriculum includes lessons related to surgery, food animals, wildlife, anatomy, parasitology, and first aid, as well as mentoring about veterinary science careers. “I was 11 years old when I decided to become a veterinarian,” Dr. Carpenter says. “I still remember how badly I wanted to get out and work with animals and veterinarians, but that experience was so hard to find at that age. That’s why I started Vet Set Go 16 years ago. We understand future veterinarians like no other organization and are committed to helping them find opportunities to explore their dream.” “Those of us in veterinary medicine experience the joy that comes with getting to know pet owners and pets over a lifetime,” adds VCA Animal Hospitals president, Todd Lavender, DVM. “Vet Set Go plays a critical role in connecting young people to these fulfilling careers. I’m proud of our growing partnership with Vet Set Go and excited we’re able to send a whole class of students to Junior Vet Camp in 2023.” The contest is open Feb. 1 to March 31, with selected winners notified by May 15. For more, click here.
