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: June 25-July 24
Application: Application opens January 12. Closes March 6. 

Through a partnership with EAOP, this academy was created for those with a strong interest in veterinary science. This week-long academy is for 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: July 27-31
Application: Applications dates for summer 2026 will open in mid-January.
Contact: Nusaybah at [email protected]

Designed to give high school students and their parents a closer look at the field of veterinary medicine. Students will rotate through hands-on breakout sessions hosted by veterinary student clubs. Meanwhile, parents will attend a focused session on veterinary career pathways, the cost of veterinary education, financial planning, and opportunities in the field.
Age: Grades 9-12
Eligibility: Open to students currently enrolled in 9-12th grade
Date held: October 11, 2025
Application: Applications closed
Contact: SVM Admissions Office at [email protected]  

Through a partnership with EAOP, this academy is offered two 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 2026
Application: Applications will open September 2026
Contact: Nusaybha at [email protected] 

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 2026. 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: Pending
Application available: Pending
Note: This program is currently on hold

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 (group 1) or entering sixth, seventh or eighth grade (group 2). 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: Grades 4-5 will have camp July 6-10; Grades 6-8 will have camp July 13-17.
Application: Applications for summer 2026 open February 1
Contact: Nusaybah at [email protected]