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. It has two components: live activities for youth in central Arkansas and across the U.S., and virtual activities for youth around the world. WIF serves as the principal advisor for the planning and development of this program and Dr. Wells contributes to the delivery of the program with presentations and activities regarding veterinary pathology.
The virtual program introduces youth (ages 9-17) to general veterinary practice and to specialties offered by the profession. We offer online sessions on a multitude of topics related to animals, and we introduce our audiences to minority veterinarians who are general practitioners and specialists who serve as role models for our participants. We also provide information about how to prepare oneself to apply to veterinary school.
Youth Veterinarian Initiative (YVI) Book Club & Merit Badge Program
After the successful launch of the Youth Veterinarian Initiative in June 2021 and a year of inspiring, transformational podcasts and in-person science labs, Wells International Foundation (WIF) and Philanthropy Alliance Foundation (PAF) are proud to announce that we’ve received a $10,000 grant to expand YVI to include a book club and merit badge program!
STEAM-themed books
Merit badges for microscope sessions
WIF is inviting schools and youth organizations that serve middle school-aged students to join the book club, which consists of having youth read 6-12 books over the course of the academic year and earn merit badges based on their active participation.
Books are provided at no cost to students with the intent to have them create or build upon pre-existing home libraries. Reading assignments are given in advance and students are expected to attend one Saturday morning Zoom call per month to discuss what they have read.
South Bronx Early College Academy students receiving books
South Bronx Early College Academy students showing their books
During these sessions, students have the opportunity to meet youth from other schools and community groups across the country. This is meant to stimulate their interest in travel and to build relationships with youth whom they may meet in person during the YVI Summer Camp we are planning to hold at PAF’s facility in Hattieville, AK in August 2023.
Students are also encouraged to attend our once-a-month (formerly bi-weekly) podcast sessions so they can meet the veterinarians and other animal professionals who provide information and inspiration to our youth in real time.
Find the recordings of our YVI sessions here:
Merit badges will be issued to students who demonstrate active involvement in the book club, attend podcast sessions, and participate in additional activities. These badges will be part of the criteria for selection of students to participate in the 2023 summer camp.
There is no charge to have your students participate in the YVI book club and merit badge program. We require that your organization appoint an educator/facilitator to communicate with us as we build a cohort of participating schools and community groups, oversee the activities of your students during the school year, and take responsibility for logistics such as distributing books and merit badges to participants.
To request additional information
or to register your school/community group for the YVI Book Club & Merit Badge program,
contact Dr. Monique Y. Wells by clicking HERE.