Summer programs encourage Native, Indigenous, tribal and rural Kansas students to experience veterinary medicine
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Veterinarian Brady Luke at Solomon Valley Veterinary Hospital in Beloit shows prospective veterinary students in the SPARK program a few items typically used in the field by cattle veterinarians. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN — For the second year, the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University offers two summer opportunities for future veterinarians: SPARK, the Summer Program for Aspiring Rural Kansas veterinarians, and SPRINTS, the Specialized Programs for the Recruitment of Indigenous, Native and Tribal Students initiative.
SPARK creates direct and purposeful connections between aspiring veterinarians and veterinary practices in rural communities throughout Kansas. The daylong immersive experience provides participants with the opportunity to shadow veterinarians in rural communities in order to gain exposure to the demands and rewards of rural veterinary practice. The goal of the program is to generate long-term interest in a career in rural veterinary medicine. Additionally, SPARK participants will engage in consultation sessions to learn how to create a competitive application for a selective Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
Ideal applicants for the SPARK program are those who intend to apply for admission to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program during the 2022-2023 application cycle and are within five years of attaining a veterinary medicine degree; however, applicants outside of that criteria are welcome to apply as well. To apply, go to kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CVGJQyBuMKIrd4.
The SPRINTS initiative provides opportunities for high school and college students who identify as tribal, Native American or Indigenous to gain exposure to veterinary medicine as a potential career path. The initiative encompasses many opportunities for participants, including sponsorships for registration, travel and lodging costs to attend Vet Med ROCKS, an annual summer camp hosted by K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine. SPRINTS participants will also receive a faculty and student mentor in the college to help prepare for and apply to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs. Additionally, participants will receive tailored consultations from admissions staff about the application process and fee waivers for their application to K-State's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
Ideal applicants for the SPRINTS initiative are high school and undergraduate college students, at least 18 years of age, who identify as Indigenous, Native American or tribal, and with a desire to learn more about careers in veterinary medicine. To apply, go to kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGZJAV5Vvv3SmEK.
The deadline to apply for both programs is Friday, May 6. Questions about these programs can be directed to admit@vet.k-state.edu.
