VetaHumanz: Inspiring Underrepresented Youth
- Kaitlyn R. Scheunemann (Iowa State University)
- Daniel L. Grooms (Iowa State University)
- Nourah E. Abusada (Iowa State University)
Abstract
The veterinary profession has remained one of the least ethnically and racially diverse careers. One reason is underrepresented youth’s lack of exposure to veterinarians and possibilities within the profession. To remove some of these barriers, the League of VetaHumanz, created by Purdue University, engages with under-resourced communities and provides access and support for youth who aspire to pursue careers in the veterinary profession. The program’s goal is to expose youth to veterinary medicine and science through interactive modules and by portraying veterinarians and veterinary-affiliated individuals as “superheroes.” In partnership with Youth Shelter Services (YSS), the Dean’s Summer Leadership Interns–certified VetaHumanz Role Models–provided education over a series of four days to at-risk K-5 elementary students. The summer program provided youth with hands-on inclusive experience in veterinary medicine to encourage them to join the ranks of veterinary superheroes.