Pre-DVM Program Opportunities

An intensive, four-week program to help disadvantaged students enhance their preparation for veterinary school. Course work, admissions workshops, case presentations and hands-on veterinary experience in the teaching hospital.
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Target applicant: Current or post-undergraduate students
Eligibility: 18 years or older; disadvantaged, low-income or historically underrepresented backgrounds
Dates held: Dates for summer 2025 pending.  
Application: Application for summer 2025 will open January 20th. Closes February 28th. 

Through a partnership with EAOP and Breakthrough Sacramento, this academy was created for those with a strong interest in veterinary science. This week-long academy is for middle school and high school students. During this academy, students will learn about veterinary medicine through hands-on activities, clinical skills labs, facility tours, and much more! 
Age: Grades 9-12
Eligibility: Prior registration (online) is required. Age requirement is strictly enforced.
Date(s) held: One selected week per age group in July 2025
Application: Applications open spring 2025 for summer 2025 

Through a partnership with EAOP, this academy is offered 3 Saturday's in October for high school students involved in EAOP in Sacramento and Yolo counties. During this academy, students will learn about veterinary medicine through lectures and hands-on activities, facility tours, and a variety of workshops! 
Age: Grades 9-12
Eligibility: Enrollment in EAOP in Sacramento and Yolo county schools
Date(s) held: October 12, 19 & 26, 2025
Application: Applications open; closes September 27

A four-week summer residential program for high achieving high school math and science students. Veterinary faculty teach a biomedical sciences course focused on several aspects of science and medicine with hands-on experiences. Participants also visit the veterinary hospital, anatomy laboratory, Sacramento Zoo, UC Davis Medical Center and other sites. Note: This program requires tuition. 
Age: Grade 9-11
Eligibility: High achievement within the STEM field
Date(s) held: Pending 
Application available: On-hold
Note: Vet Med cluster on hold for summer 2025. There are other STEM clusters being offered. 

This one-day event is for students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade to find out what being a veterinarian is all about! Students will learn how to interpret radiographs, learn about animal behavior and training, learn basic surgery knots, and get their questions answered by veterinary students, and more.
Age: Grade 6-8
Eligibility: Prior registration (online) is required.
Date(s) held: Annually in fall semester
Application available: Early fall semester
Note: This program is currently on hold

Through a partnership with EAOP and Breakthrough Sacramento, this academy was created for those with a strong interest in veterinary science. This week-long academy is for middle school and high school students. During this academy, students will learn about veterinary medicine through hands-on activities, clinical skills labs, facility tours, and much more! 
Age: Grades 6-8
Eligibility: Prior registration (online) is required. Age requirement is strictly enforced.
Date(s) held: One selected week per age group in July 2025
Application: Applications open spring 2025 for summer 2025 

Through a partnership with Campus Recreation Youth Programs, we created this camp for those with a passion for animals. This week-long camp is for students entering fourth and fifth grade. Students will learn about veterinary medicine through hands-on activities, facility tours, and much more!
Age: Grade 4-5 & 6-8
Eligibility: Prior registration (online) and registration fee are required. Age/grade requirement is strictly enforced.
Date(s) held: One selected week in July 2025
Application: Application opens in February 2025