Key Takeaways
- The Zoetis Foundation awarded NAVC a $250,000 education-focused grant
- Funding supports expansion of the Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine® pathway program
- The program targets middle and high school students interested in veterinary careers
- Expansion includes new cities, more in-person events, and virtual learning access
- The initiative aims to build a more inclusive and sustainable veterinary workforce
The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) has received a $250,000 grant from the Zoetis Foundation to further its mission of supporting students pursuing careers in veterinary medicine. The funding will strengthen NAVC’s involvement in the Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine® pathway program, expanding opportunities for education, mentorship, and early career exploration.
Grant funding will allow the program to reach new cities, host additional events throughout the year, and develop more virtual touchpoints designed to engage both students and parents. These virtual offerings include VETtalks, an on-demand learning resource that introduces families to veterinary medicine and provides guidance on how to support students interested in the field.
Since 2023, the Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine® program has reached more than 1,000 middle and high school students across the United States and Canada. Through immersive, hands-on experiences, participants are introduced to a wide range of veterinary specialties while interacting directly with practicing veterinary professionals. Students also earn a certificate for six hours of educational credit, helping formalize early exposure to the profession.
“Through our Believe and Belong in Veterinary Medicine events, we are able to connect students with professionals already in the field, creating meaningful mentorship opportunities,” said Dr. Niccole Bruno, founder and executive director of the blendVET Foundation. With expanded support, the program aims to scale nationally and create sustainable mentorship pipelines for students who may not traditionally see themselves represented in veterinary medicine.
NAVC leadership emphasized that workforce development is a core component of the organization’s long-term mission. By partnering with Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine®, NAVC is able to engage aspiring veterinary students early and provide insight into career pathways within animal healthcare.
The Zoetis Foundation’s support aligns with its education-focused grantmaking priorities, which aim to strengthen the veterinary profession through early exposure, mentorship, and broader access to training. By investing in pathway programs like Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine®, the Foundation seeks to help build a diverse, prepared workforce capable of meeting future animal health needs.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
