Youth Pathway Programs
At the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, we are committed to engaging students in our youth pipeline programs. The College offers various initiatives and opportunities for learners from kindergarten through undergraduate (K-16). Please contact Wendy Mesa at mesawendy@ufl.edu or (352) 294- 8494 for questions.
Elementary School Pathway Programs
This Is How We ROLE
This Is How We Role is an after-school enrichment program designed for students in grades K-5. The program aims to expand the veterinarian-scientist workforce in the long term. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and veterinary students educate and engage elementary school students, introducing them to the wide range of careers in the veterinary profession and teaching them how to prevent and treat health conditions affecting both people and animals. Developed and funded by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, This Is How We Role is supported by the Science Education Partnership Award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health. Currently, the program is offered at the Caring and Sharing Learning School in Gainesville, Florida, with plans to expand to other elementary schools in the area.
High School Pathway Programs
Gator WISE: Mini Vet School
Gator WISE: Mini Vet School is designed for students interested in veterinary science. Participants will engage in hands-on laboratory activities and interact with researchers from the UF College of Veterinary Medicine to gain a practical understanding of One Health. Gator Wise: Mini Vet School is a collaborative initiative between UF Center for Precollegiate Education and Training and UFCVM Office of Student and Community Affairs.
Program Description: Join us as we explore the lives of parasites in this Mini Vet School workshop. Examine real specimens, learn how parasites affect animal health, and discover the vital role veterinarians play in diagnosing and treating these infections. Gain a deeper appreciation for animal care, the science of parasitology, and the importance of protecting both pets and people from these tiny invaders.
- Program Date: November 15, 2025
- Application Timeframe: August 26, 2025- October 15, 2025
- Suggested Grade Level: 10-12th grade students that have taken Biology, AP Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
Gator Vet Camp
The Gator Vet Camp Summer Program is a residential experience designed to recognize talented high school students and provide them with enriching academic and personal exposure to the veterinary profession and college life. Through rigorous activities, shared experiences, and hands-on exercises, participants will explore career opportunities in veterinary medicine and identify key courses essential for college readiness.
- Session 1: June 07 – June 12, 2026 (rising 10th & 11th grade)
- Session 2: June 21 – June 26, 2026 (rising 12th grade)
Applications will open January 2026
Gator Vet Camp: Next Gen Vets
Gator Vet Camp: Next Gen. Vets summer camp program is a residential experience designed to recognize talented local youth. This opportunity is supported by The Children’s Trust of Alachua County, enabling a free summer camp for low-income Alachua youth. Students will enjoy enriching academic and personal exposure to the veterinary profession and college life. Through clinical labs and shared experiences, participants will explore career opportunities in veterinary medicine and identify key courses essential for college readiness.
Program Mission: Our summer camp is all about providing opportunities for high school students from low-income communities. We provide students with a taste of college life while diving into the world of veterinary medicine, exploring music, art, and poetry, and staying active with fun sports and games. We’re here to help youth discover their passions, build confidence, and realize just how far they can go!
- July 6- July 10, 2026
Application will open January 2026
Undergraduate Pathway Programs
Vet SMART Undergraduate Program
Program Description: The program offers UF undergraduate students mentorship opportunity aimed at strengthening their VMCAS applications and enhancing their prospects as competitive applicants applying to UFCVM. Selected students will participate in structed meeting with the Office of Student and Community Affairs meeting once to twice a month to focus on:
- Mentorship training
- UFCVM admissions requirements
- Up to 2 Undergraduate Vet School Shadow Opportunities
- Clinical Skills Lab Simulations
- FVMA Annual Conference
Program Time Frame: The program will run from September 2025 to April 2026
Applicant Requirements:
- Applicants must be enrolled at the University of Florida and 1st year or 2nd year undergraduates
- Maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher while participating in the program
- Willing and able to receive the Rabies, Tetanus vaccine, and Tuberculosis screening
- Have earned less than 50 hours of Veterinary Clinical exposure
Application Timeframe: August 18, 2025- September 01, 2025
Application Link: Applications have closed for the 2025-2026 academic year
VetBio Research Academy: Applications Now Open
The VetBio Research Academy is an 8-week Spring semester program designed for full-time first- and second-year University of Florida students. It provides hands-on training in fundamental molecular techniques used in biomedical research. The program objectives are: 1) Expand students’ biomedical knowledge and skill set. 2) Cultivate interest in biomedical research early in their undergraduate studies. 3) Assist students in finding research mentors and volunteer opportunities at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine to gain further research experience.
Program Time Frame: January 2026-March 2026
Applicant Requirements:
- Applicants must be enrolled at the University of Florida and 1st year or 2nd year undergraduates
- Maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher while participating in the program
- Have earned less than 20 hours of biomedical/research experience
Application Timeframe: October 01-November 15, 2025
Application Link: Click Here to Apply
Vet Champs Admissions Bootcamp
The UF Vet “Champs” Admissions Boot Camp is an overnight, intensive preparatory program designed for applicants to gain firsthand insight into the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. This program is tailored for college juniors, seniors, and graduates interested in applying to the UF DVM Program. Participants will receive guidance on: 1) An overview of the admissions application process 2)Next steps after application submission 3) The applicant selection process 4) The interview process 5) Hands-on clinical simulations.
- Program Timeframe: April 09-April 11, 2026
- Application Timeframe: November 01 2025-January 31, 2026
Applicant Requirements:
- Classified as a Junior, Senior, or graduates
- Interested in pursuing the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine DVM Program
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Application Link: Contact Wendy Mesa at mesawendy@ufl.edu
Youth Outreach Initiatives
The office provides outreach initiatives in collaboration with local and state organizations seeking to introduce students to the field of veterinary medicine. These initiatives encompass a range of services, from interactive, veterinary-themed activities designed for elementary school students to comprehensive informational sessions outlining the educational and professional pathway to a career in veterinary medicine for high school students.
Past Youth Pathway Programs
Gator Vet Start Mentoring Program
The Vet Start Mentoring Program was a USDA NIFA funded program aimed towards strengthening the field of veterinary medicine by providing high school students in Alachua County with profession-specific mentorship and hands-on learning experiences. Throughout this program, students partnered with DVM faculty and DVM students from the College of Veterinary Medicine to discuss veterinary careers and college preparation. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to shadow their DVM Faculty and DVM Student mentors and engage in laboratory activities throughout the academic semester.
- Program timeframe: 2020-2024