Youth Veterinarian Initiative
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The Youth Veterinarian Initiative serves as an introduction to veterinary medicine for underserved minorities who are underrepresented in the field.
Our mission is to expose Black and Latinx youth (ages 9-17) to career opportunities in general veterinary practice, veterinary medical specialties, veterinary technician/technologist/nursing, and other animal-focused professions. Our vision is to increase the representation of underserved minorities in these fields.
We offer online sessions on a multitude of topics related to animals, and we introduce our audiences to minority veterinarians and vet techs who serve as role models for our participants. We also provide information about how to prepare oneself to apply to veterinary school.
Youth who decide to pursue veterinary medicine as a career as a result of their participation in YVI can include our program activities in the resume they submit to veterinary practices where they wish to volunteer or establishments where they apply to work part time to begin building the credentials required to be accepted into veterinary school.
Youth Veterinarian Initiative (YVI) Launched in June 2021
With initial funding from the Troan Foundation, the Wells International Foundation and the Philanthropy Alliance Foundation launched the Youth Veterinarian Initiative on June 5, 2021.
We invited youth and parents to join us for the two-part June 2021 launch with Dr. Monique Y. Wells, a veterinary pathologist and toxicologist who lives in Paris, France.
YVI consists of a two-pronged virtual program offered during the academic year:
YVI Podcast: Once a month on a Saturday morning, youth aged 9-17 participate in a fun-filled virtual experience with animals, veterinarians from around the world, and interactive activities through Zoom.
YVI Book Club & Merit Badge Program: Students in Grades 5-8 read age-appropriate books and discuss them internally before coming to monthly Zoom calls to establish and nurture relationships with students from other schools who have read the same books.
Participants earn merit badges for accomplishments demonstrated in this part of the program. Badges are part of the selection criteria for participation in YVI Summer Camp.
Participating youth and veterinary practitioners will engage in activities on a 30-acre property located roughly 45 minutes by car from Little Rock, Arkansas. Proprietor Sherita J. Herring, the founder of the Philanthropy Alliance Foundation, is our collaborative partner for this activity.
Youth will have opportunities to engage with horses and cows, dogs and cats, and barnyard fowl, as well as visit the Little Rock Zoo. Through these activities, they will learn about biology, animal husbandry, food science and sustainable living practices.