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.
If you are interested in implementing this after-school program at your local elementary school, please contact Wendy Mesa at mesawendy@ufl.edu or (352) 294-8494
High School Pathway Programs
Gator Vet Start Mentoring Program
The Vet Start Mentoring Program aims to strengthen the field of veterinary medicine by providing high school students in Alachua County with profession-specific mentorship and hands-on learning experiences. Through this program, students will partner with faculty and DVM students from the College of Veterinary Medicine to discuss veterinary careers and college preparation. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to shadow their mentors and engage in laboratory activities throughout the academic semester.
- Applications will open Summer of 2025
Gator WISE- Veterinary Research
Gator WISE: Veterinary Research 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. They will explore key topics such as antibiotic resistance and its impact on both animal and human health. Through a combination of lab work, discussions, and live demonstrations, this two-day, non-residential camp offers a brief yet immersive introduction to the field of veterinary research. This is developed in conjunction with the UF Center for Precollegiate Education & Training.
- Applications: Linked Here
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 8 – June 13, 2025 (rising 10th & 11th grade)
- Session 2: June 22 – June 27, 2025 (rising 12th grade)
- Session 3 (Mini Vet Camp – S. Florida) – July 6 – July 9, 2025
- Applications are now closed for the 2025 summer camp season
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 21- July 25, 2025
- Applications are now open, please reach out to Wendy Mesa at mesawendy@ufl.edu or (352) 294-8494.
Undergraduate Pathway Programs
Vet SMART Undergraduate Mentorship
The Gator Vet SMART program is designed to support freshman and sophomore students at the University of Florida who are interested in veterinary medicine. It fosters a sense of community while providing academic support, research opportunities, and hands-on animal experiences to help students become competitive applicants for the UF College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Applications available July of 2025
VetBio Research Academy
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.
- Applications available October of 2025
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.
- Applications available October of 2025-January of 2026
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.