Scholarship opportunities available through AVMF

The application period is now open for a number of scholarships for students attending AVMA Council on Education–accredited veterinary colleges. Through these scholarships, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and other organizations hope to encourage students to consider traditional and nontraditional careers as they move forward in their education to understand the many options that the veterinary profession offers.

Student can submit applications for the following scholarships from March 1-May 17:

• AVMA/AVMF Scholarship for Veterans:
  In honor of the 100th anniversary of President Woodrow Wilson's signing of the National Defense Act of 1916 and the creation of a Veterinary Corps within the U.S. Army, the AVMA and AVMF established a special scholarship for military veterans pursuing an education in veterinary medicine. Four $1,000 scholarships are available to veterans of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy currently in their first three years of veterinary school at any COE-accredited school.
• AVMF/Winn Feline Foundation Scholarship:
  A $2,500 scholarship is available to a second- or third-year student in the U.S. who demonstrates an interest in feline veterinary medicine. The recipient of this award must be able to document a history of participation in activities that benefit the health and welfare of cats, including research, shelter work, cat clubs, and other community service programs. A strong GPA and financial need are also considered for this scholarship.
• Association for Women Veterinarians Foundation:
  For more than 44 years, this association provided scholarships to deserving veterinary students, regardless of gender. A $1,500 scholarship is available and open to first-, second-, and third-year students at U.S. veterinary colleges.
• Mildred Sylvester Scholarship:
  This $4,000 scholarship, established by the estate of Mildred Sylvester, is available to an outstanding first-, second-, or third-year U.S. veterinary student with a connection to the state of New Jersey—whether a current or past resident or high school or college graduate.
• Dr. Elinor McGrath Scholarship:
  Juliette Fassett, founder of Dr. McGrath's animal shampoo, partners with the AVMF in offering a $1,500 scholarship to a first-, second-, or third-year veterinary student at a U.S. veterinary college. Dr. McGrath is recognized as America's first practicing female veterinarian. The recipient of this award will be selected based on his or her story of achieving veterinary goals with the strength and determination of Dr. McGrath.

The application form for all these scholarships will be available at the AVMF website starting March 1. For more information on any of the scholarships, please contact Patti Gillespie, senior manager of programs and operations. She can be reached by pgillespieavma [dot] org (email) or by phone at 847-285-6709.