Applications for 2026 Veterinary Leaders Program now open

Applications have opened for the 2026 cohort of the Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program, which is designed to expand leadership opportunities for veterinary students from underserved backgrounds. A collaboration between the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) and Chewy Health, the initiative will award 15 students with a $20,000 scholarship, paid directly to their institutions during the Fall 2025 semester.

“This program goes beyond scholarships. It’s about building a supportive pathway for the next generation of veterinary leaders,” Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health, said in an announcement.¹ “Through mentorship, leadership training and building a strong sense of community, we are proud to provide students with the skills and confidence they need to help shape the future of veterinary medicine.”

In addition to financial aid, the program will give students professional development resources, such as monthly conversations facilitated by a third-party mentor and an in-person leadership summit at Chewy’s headquarters in Florida. After graduation, participants will have access to a 6-month mentorship and professional development curriculum, as well as the program’s alumni network.

Our partnership with Chewy Health for the Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program is helping to shape the future of veterinary medicine by empowering students who bring fresh perspectives, resilience, and a deep commitment to service,” Ted Mashima, DVM, interim CEO at AAVMC, added.¹ “When we invest in these emerging leaders, we’re not only opening doors for individuals—we’re transforming the profession to be more inclusive, innovative, and reflective of the communities we serve.”

Related: Fall scholarships for veterinary and veterinary technician students

Kennedi Robinson, a 2025 Chewy Veterinary Leader and veterinary student at Purdue University, said the program provided her with scholarship support and opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and networking with other veterinary students and professionals, according to Chewy and AAVMC. “...at Chewy [headquarters]... I gained invaluable professional development, leadership training, mentorship, and lifelong connections with amazing veterinary students and veterinary professionals,” Robinson said in a news release.¹

Winners of the 2025 Chewy Veterinary Leaders program, which were announced in January 2025, came from a variery of universities across the US, including Colorado State University, University of Tennessee, Mississippi State University, University of California, Davis, Cornell University in New York, Washington State University, and more.²

Students are nominated by their schools or colleges. The submission deadline for this year’s cohort is November 4, 2025. Students seeking for more information on the program can visit awards.aavmc.org.

References

1. AAVMC and Chewy Health open applications for 2026 Cohort of Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program. News release. October 1, 2025. American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. https://www.aavmc.org/news/aavmc-and-chewy-health-open-applications-for-2026-cohort-of-chewy-veterinary-leaders-program/
2. AAVMC announces Chewy Veterinary leaders Cohort. dvm360. January 17, 2025. October 3, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/aavmc-announces-chewy-veterinary-leaders-cohort