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College of Veterinary Medicine

Vet Up! Champions

Vet Up!® Champions integrates face-to-face and interactive online learning to provide a 12-month structured curriculum to a cohort of 26 students each year comprised of rising high-school juniors/seniors, adult/nontraditional learners including veterans, and first or second year undergraduate students. Champions will prepare for entry into veterinary college by receiving mentorship, financial competence training, and gaining exposure to veterinary careers.

Eligibility

Requirements

  • Access to a computer/tablet/device with internet access and an internet connection that supports Zoom technology is required.
  • Students are required to actively participate in all Zoom sessions. Zoom sessions will be held once or twice each month, on Wednesdays, from 4:00-5:00 pm EDT.
  • Students have the opportunity to travel to West Lafayette, Indiana and attend presentations at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine for on June 29-30, 2026 (not including travel days). Financial support towards travel costs will be provided.

Application Process

Please Read Before You Apply: The Vet Up! Champions application is designed to reflect a veterinary college application so you can see the variety of experiences and information that will ultimately be requested when you apply to a DVM program. We fully understand that you might not have had opportunities to gain experience in many areas. You will not be penalized if you write “None” or “NA” in these categories. If these opportunities were plentiful, we would not need programs like Vet Up! As you prepare your application, focus on the essays so that we can learn more about you and your goals. After you submit your completed application, keep a copy and use it as a resource to track your experiences in different categories, as you work towards your goal of becoming a veterinarian. We look forward to seeing your application!

  • Applications are now being accepted and due November 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
  • Applications must be typed or handwritten in print (no cursive)

Vet Up! Champions Application

Evaluation Forms

Program Curriculum

Champions will receive information on career opportunities, experiences to prepare for careers in shortage areas, and social support to guide them to a competitive position at their next educational level. Champions will receive a certificate upon completion of program requirements.  

Learning

  • Learn about careers in veterinary medicine from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty, and veterinarians from the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and Indiana State Department of Health. Information about careers in veterinary shortage areas such as rural/food animal practice, translational research, regulatory medicine, and public health will be provided.
  • Explore important issues in the veterinary profession such as the  Human-Animal Bond, Animal Welfare, The Opioid Epidemic, and Veterinarian’s Role in Food Safety and Security
  • Take a walking tour of the Purdue University West Lafayette campus and spend time at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine where you will experience handling, wellness exams, and milking a dairy cow
  • Contribute to a collaborative research project

Support

  • Develop effective strategies for learning and setting career goals, overcoming obstacles, and sustaining progress towards your goals
  • Learn approaches to improve communication, self-care, wellness, and stress management
  • Learn what it takes to prepare a competitive application for veterinary medical school/college by exploring the application and admissions process, transcript review, and interview process
  • Minimize educational debt by getting current information regarding the costs of a veterinary medical education, exploring financial support options (scholarships and loans), and developing personal finance strategies

Financial Support

  • Participants will receive up to $375 in travel support for the two-day-long required visit to Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine 
  • Participants will receive free lodging during the two-day-long visit, and a stipend of $120 ($60/day) to cover all other expenses including meals. Please note: stipends can only be provided to students not enrolled in a regular course of education leading to their health professions degree; and, for activities with no other Federal financial assistance.