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The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation received a Veterinary Services Grant Program award from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to expand veterinary students’ exposure to careers in state and regulatory veterinary medicine. The three-year project, “Strengthening the Regulatory Veterinary Workforce,” will support nine veterinary students through paid, 10- to 12-week summer internships in State Animal Health Official offices. Through hands-on experience and mentoring, students will learn how state veterinary teams protect animal health, support agriculture and help safeguard the food supply.
“Many veterinary students have limited opportunities to explore the range of careers available in state and regulatory veterinary medicine,” NASDA Foundation Senior Director Chris Jones said. “This program will give students firsthand experience working alongside state animal health professionals and help them see how their veterinary training can contribute to public service. We are grateful to USDA for supporting this investment in the future veterinary workforce.”
Participating state animal health offices will host and mentor students, providing exposure to responsibilities such as disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response, animal health programs, regulatory activities and stakeholder engagement. The NASDA Foundation will coordinate student recruitment, placement and program support, with three students participating each year. Students will also participate in professional development and networking opportunities, including the NASDA Next Generation program.
The NASDA Foundation is the only educational and research organization that directly serves the nation’s state departments of agriculture.
NASDA news release
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