How a College Course Benefits Under-Resourced High Schoolers Interested in Veterinary Medicine

The Veterinary Perspectives Institute (VPI) was designed to address the challenges faced by underrepresented youth who are interested in veterinary medicine. This study examines the VPI, a tuition-free program that introduces students from under-resourced high schools to veterinary medicine and One Health through a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach. The VPI integrates One Health concepts by linking human, animal, and environmental health in the context of veterinary medicine. The program’s aim is to foster college readiness and career exploration in veterinary and biomedical fields, while also addressing barriers to diversity in veterinary medicine. Through hands-on learning and case studies in One Health, students gain exposure to STEM topics like anatomy, microbiology, and epidemiology. The program addresses systemic barriers such as limited animal exposure and lack of mentorship by pairing students with university mentors from diverse backgrounds who guide them in building academic portfolios and developing professional skills. The program also emphasizes financial literacy, mental health, and work-life balance, providing students with the tools to navigate future challenges. Daily “community circles” foster socio-emotional growth, resilience, and belonging, helping students confront impostor syndrome. Program outcomes, assessed through pre- and post-surveys, show increased awareness of educational pathways and One Health concepts. While some participants reconsidered careers in veterinary medicine, the program successfully cultivated a college-going mindset and interest in STEM careers. By combining mentorship, transdisciplinary learning, and community building, the VPI offers a replicable model to address diversity gaps in veterinary medicine and inspire a new generation of professionals grounded in the One Health framework.