Banfield Foundation and Rural Veterinary Services partner up to launch travel scholarship program

Banfield Foundation announced a grant to the Humane Society of the United States Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) program to help create the Field Clinic Travel Scholarship. This first-of-its-kind program provides travel scholarships for veterinary technicians, veterinary and technician students, and veterinary assistants.

"Field clinic participation fosters connections among professionals, students, and staff that extend beyond the clinic itself. This service-learning opportunity is one that volunteers frequently describe as life changing," said Windi Wojdak, Senior Director of RAVS, in an organizational release.¹ "This scholarship program will not only increase participants' clinical skillset but also deepen their understanding of the human-animal bond and tools available to increase access to veterinary care and support the bond."

According to the release, there are no tuition or participation fees for RAVS volunteers, and participants will be responsible for any personal travel costs. This new program’s goal is to support the mentorship and training of professionals and students that are underrepresented and have a cost barrier in participation, encouraging professional diversity, and give volunteers opportunities to meet and engage with a wide audience of both future and current veterinary professionals. There will be 50 scholarships available with a maximum award of $1,000 each to offset clinical travel costs.¹

"Banfield Foundation is committed to expanding access to veterinary care in underserved areas as well as providing a pathway for future generations of veterinary professionals to personally experience the joy of giving back and helping communities in need," said Kim Van Syoc, executive director, Banfield Foundation, in the release. "This program simultaneously brings access to care to areas struggling with poverty and geographic isolation while removing geographic and financial barriers for students and professionals wanting to expand their knowledge and skills while improving both animal and community health."¹

Applications for the first round of scholarships for students will be accepted through December 2, 2022. These scholarships will be available to credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants, with at least a year’s worth of full-time clinical experience. Scholarships will also be offered to veterinary students currently enrolled in a veterinary college or veterinary technology program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The release also noted that preference for the scholarships will be given to veterinary professionals and students who identify as part of the Black, Indigenous, or People of Color communities as well as any others who bring an underrepresented perspective to the program.¹

Reference

Banfield Foundation and Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) Launch Travel Scholarship for Veterinary Students. News release. Banfield Pet Hospital. November 16, 2022. Accessed November 16, 2022. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/banfield-foundation-and-rural-area-veterinary-services-ravs-launch-travel-scholarship-for-veterinary-students-301679433.html