NASDA Foundation receives USDA grant to introduce students to careers in veterinary medicine

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 con