Student AVMA (SAVMA)
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SAVMA awards & scholarships
On this page you will find listings of all Awards and Scholarships provided by the SAVMA House of Delegates Committees. For more information on any of these grants or applications, please contact the specific committee contact information provided below.
*SAVMA grant award recipients accumulating over $600 in stipends (for non-reimbursable events) in a calendar year, will be subject to taxes on funds received. Please consider discussing these tax implications with a tax professional before applying.
Jump to a specific committee award list here:
Animal Welfare and Environmental Stewardship Committee Awards
Education and Professional Development Committee Awards
Governmental Affairs Committee Awards
Integrative Communications and Diversity Committee Awards
International Veterinary Experience Committee Awards
Public Health and Community Outreach Committee Awards
SAVMA Wellbeing Committee Awards
AVMF Veterinary Student Scholarship Opportunities
Animal Welfare and Environmental Stewardship Committee Awards
For questions or to submit an application, contact: savma [dot] awescgmail [dot] comtarget="_blank"
Application | Amount | Deadline |
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4 grants of $500 each | 1/30/2023 | |
The purpose of this grant is to recognize projects that meet the following criteria: present a sustainable and/or far-reaching project that demonstrates clear benefit to the humans and animals involved, enhance the education of veterinary students in tangible ways, provide a platform for veterinary professionals to be involved meaningfully in the local community, and to benefit as many SAVMA members as possible. This grant it not intended to fund individuals or travel expenses. |
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4 grants at $500 each | 1/30/2023 | |
The Educational Lecture Grant will be awarded to help defray expenses for special lectures to veterinary students/organizations on topics related to animal welfare and/or the human-animal bond. This is not intended as funding for individual students or student travel, although it may be used for speaker travel expenses. |
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AWESC Travel Grant | 7 grants of $500 each | 4/1/2023-5/31/2023 |
The purpose of this grant is to reimburse SAVMA members who have attended a convention, conference, or educational trip related to animal welfare and/or the human-animal bond within the past fiscal year(August 2022-August 2023). |
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AWESC Environmental Awareness Grant | 3 grants of $500 each | 4/1/2023-6/15/2023 |
This grant allows for current SAVMA members to reach out and initiate environmental projects, engage in research, or attend conservation related events/meetings. |
Education and Professional Development Committee Awards
For questions or to submit an application, contact: savma [dot] epdcgmail [dot] comtarget="_blank"
Application | Amount | Deadline |
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SAVMA Externship Grant | 25 awards at $300 | 5/8/2023 |
Externships are an extremely important aspect of a veterinary student's learning experience. In addition to providing opportunities for students to see medicine at work outside of their veterinary schools, externships also help students build their skill sets from clinician's in different areas across the country. The application will open March 6th, 2023 and close May 8th, 2023. | ||
Economics Initiative Essay Contest | 2 awards at $500 | 2/1/2023 |
Economic stress is a major challenge for students entering the veterinary profession. In an essay, 500 words or less, please suggest an actionable solution for SAVMA which will help alleviate student financial stress. Examples might include new student programs, political advocacy or increased educational outreach. |
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3 awards at up to $500 |
Fall: 12/3/2022 |
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This grant is for any student organization or club who designs a lecture and/or wet lab for a topic to which students would not be otherwise be exposed. The EPDC recognizes the important skills students learn from these organizations and this grant is to encourage more creative and innovative ways to deliver these supplemental educational activities to their members (virtually or in-person). | ||
Teaching Excellence Award | $300 to student author of winning entry and SAVMA chapter will receive a stipend to host an awards ceremony to honor the teacher that is chosen. | 12/1/2022 |
This award recognizes outstanding teachers in our profession who deserve to be recognized for their impact on veterinary students. The SAVMA Chapter that is associated with the submission will receive a stipend to host an awards ceremony to honor the teacher that is chosen. To encourage well written nominations, an award will be given to the student author of the winning entry. |
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NAVLE Study Package Scholarship (include your SAVMA ID in submission) |
10 awards at $300 each | 12/1/2022 |
This award is for students in their 3rd or 4th year of vet school preparing for the NAVLE. Even if you have already purchased a NAVLE study package, you can be reimbursed up to $300. **If you are selected as a recipient - proof of purchase of a NAVLE study package will be required to receive your scholarship.** | ||
Retrospective Conference Travel Grant Application | 6 awards at $300 | 10/31/2022 |
Attending a veterinary conference in the respective field of interest provides opportunities for students to network and learn about activities of professional veterinary organizations. Conferences also offer a variety of wet labs and CE sessions that students can attend. This conference travel grant gives students the opportunity to help offset the cost of attending any veterinary conference (including online conferences due to the pandemic) from the dates of August 1st, 2021 to July 31st, 2022. This application will NOT apply to SAVMA Symposium. | ||
Language Grant | 5 awards at $200 | 5/12/2023 |
The purpose of this grant is to support veterinary students in mitigating the financial costs of studying any foreign language or American Sign Language. The grant may be used for any language courses, exam applications, textbooks, overseas experience or other learning materials dedicated to learning a language at any level. |
Governmental Affairs Committee Awards
For questions or to submit an application, contact: gac [dot] savma15gmail [dot] com
Application | Amount | Deadline |
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Policy Education Grant | 6 grants at $500 | 4/1/23 - 5/31/23 |
These grants are for veterinary students and veterinary student organizations to provide funding for policy related lectures and/or events supplementing the college’s curriculum. Of the 6 available grants, 3 will be given to schools that have plans for original events and the remaining 3 will be provided speakers from the AVMA Political Action Committee to come speak about the importance of advocacy for veterinary medicine at the federal level. The intention of this grant is to provide opportunities for student engagement and education of how public policy impacts veterinarians. |
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Government, Policy, and Public Health Travel Grant | 6 grants at $500 | 4/1/2023 - 5/31/2023 |
These grants assist with the cost of attending government focused conferences, externships, or other unique experiences related to public policy. This grant will be awarded twice yearly with applications open from November 1st-December 1st, and April 1st-May 31st. |
Integrative Communications and Diversity Committee Awards
For questions or to submit an application, contact: SAVMA [dot] ICDCgmail [dot] com
Application | Amount | Deadline |
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Empowering Diversity in Veterinary Medicine Grant | Up to 5 grants from $250-$500 | Cycle 1: 10/1/2022-11/15/2022 Cycle 2: 2/1/2023-3/15/2023 |
The goal of this grant is to encourage veterinary students to engage in dialogue about diversity and inclusion among all members of their school and beyond through various activities and programs. The scope of the grant is not limited to cultural diversity and may include factors such as ethnicity, economic status, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. | ||
Travel Grant Supporting Diversity and Communications | Up to 5 grants at $200 each | Cycle 1: 8/1/2022 - 9/15/2022 Cycle 2: 2/1/2023- 3/30/2023 |
This grant is for deserving individuals who have attended or wish to attend a meeting or event that promotes diversity and/or communication within the veterinary profession. Also for minority veterinary students who have attended or wish to attend an externship to assist with travel expenses. | ||
Communications Development Grant | 5 grants between $250-$500 |
Cycle 1: Cycle 2: |
The goal of this grant is to encourage the development and discussion of communication in veterinary medicine. Both individual students and chapters may apply for events that have already occurred or are scheduled to take place. | ||
Purdue Diversity Certificate Grant Application | 10 - $100 (for course fees) |
Cycle 1: Cycle 2: |
The goal of the Purdue Certificate Grant is to make the Purdue Certificate Program more accessible to students. Purdue University, through the Center of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine, presents online professional certificate programs designed for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, educators, students, and staff who seek to improve their communication, leadership, teaching/learning, and cultural competency skills. | ||
Equity in Veterinary Medicine Grant Cycle 1 application (September 1st - January 31st) Cycle 2 application (February 1st - July 31st) |
Up to $100 | Cycle 1: 9/1/2022 - 1/31/2023 Cycle 2: 2/1/2023-7/31/2023 |
The primary goal of this grant is to support the development of more equity in veterinary medicine by providing Black students and underrepresented groups with the funds to join organizations with opportunities for professional development, networking, mentorship, conferences, and community. This grant will be on rolling submission and will close once funds are used up per cycle. |
International Veterinary Experience Committee Awards
For questions or to submit an application, contact: ivecscholarshipsgmail [dot] comtarget="_blank"
Application | Amount | Deadline | ||
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2023 International Veterinary Experience Scholarship Application Cycle 1 | Ten Awards at $750 each | 3/31/2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST |
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This scholarship is for deserving SAVMA members who demonstrate a strong desire to participate in a veterinary-related international experience from January 19th-June 30th, 2023. This scholarship will uphold the mission of IVEC which is to promote the advancement of veterinary education and animal welfare throughout the world. Please contact the IVEC Committee Chair at ivec [dot] chair |
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2023 IVSA-SAVMA Local Chapter Support Grant | Four awards at $500 each | 3/3/2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST |
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This application will award IVSA SAVMA Chapters that demonstrate financial need and offer a valuable plan to improve and strengthen their Local IVSA Chapter. Please contact the IVEC Committee Chair at ivec [dot] chair |
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2023 SAVMA IVSA Excellence Award | 3/3/2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST |
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This award is for an IVSA member who has excelled as a leader or significantly impacted their chapter. The Excellence Award is given in an effort to recognize both the time and determination put into advancing local chapters and their members towards accomplishing the IVSA mission. Winner will be announced at SAVMA Symposium. |
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72nd IVSA Congress Travel Grant | Two awards at $2,000 each | 6/30/2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST |
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Applicants must apply and be selected to represent IVSA USA at the 72nd IVSA Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark. Please contact the IVEC Committee Chair at ivec [dot] chair |
Public Health and Community Outreach Committee Awards
For questions or to submit an application, contact: savma [dot] phcocgmail [dot] comtarget="_blank"
Application | Amount | Deadline |
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Faculty Community Outreach Grant | $300 reward for student nominator and $500 to the SAVMA chapter or school of the nominee for a celebration in nominee's honor. | 12/20/2022 |
The Faculty Community Outreach Award nomination is intended for students to publicly acknowledge how faculty members, clinicians, etc. in the veterinary field have gone above and beyond their own professional responsibilities and duties to interact with and make a difference in the local/global community. |
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Underserved Areas Grant Application | One $1000 and two $500 grants for externships completed between 4/1/2021– 3/31/2022 | 6/15/2023 |
The Underserved Areas grant aims to help SAVMA members that assist in an underserved area in the US or internationally. The grant can be used for veterinary supplies, travel or public education purposes. |
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CDC Public Health Essay Contest | 10 grants for $200 each | 3/1/2023 |
This grant is meant to promote interest in public health and support SAVMA members considering a career in public health. |
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Community Outreach Grant Application | Eight awards up to $500 | 3/31/2024 |
The Community Outreach Grant aims to help SAVMA members to integrate community service with the veterinary profession. This grant will help fund community service projects that a SAVMA member coordinates within their local community. The grant will be awarded on the years opposite of CDC Day Travel Grant. |
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SAVMA One Health Grand Challenge | Three $1700 grants to be awarded | 9/30/2023 |
The One Health Grand Challenge provides students an opportunity to develop a meaningful and sustainable One Health project at their university, in their community, or elsewhere. This competition challenges students to incorporate as many domains of One Health as possible, allowing for a wider audience and higher chance for positive outcomes from their diligent work. |
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Research in Public Health Grant | Two $500 grants | 5/15/2023 |
This grant supports and encourages current SAVMA members to participate in research projects related to the public health field by providing further funds to compensate for associated expenses. | ||
SAVMA Continuing Education Grant | Grant ranges from $312-$1,250 not to exceed four grants | 6/15/2023 |
This grant aims to encourage SAVMA members to participate in coursework or certification programs outside of the veterinary curriculum. |
SAVMA Wellbeing Committee Awards
For questions or to submit an application, contact: savmawellbeinggmail [dot] com
Application | Amount | Deadline |
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Champion of Student Wellbeing Grant | $300 to nominator and $500 to chapter in Fall and Spring | Fall cycle: 9/15/2022 – 10/31/2022 Spring cycle: 3/15/2023 – 4/30/2023 |
This year, three faculty and staff will be awarded the Champion of Student Wellbeing Grant to be presented at the 2023 virtual SAVMA Symposium. This award recognizes and acknowledges individual faculty or staff members that go above and beyond to promote student wellbeing at their institutions especially during these trying times where mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health are of vital importance. This may include, but is not limited to, promoting mental, physical, spiritual and emotional intelligence amongst their students, creation or support of wellbeing initiatives and programming at their institutions, or serving as a role model that demonstrates the importance of self-care. | ||
Health and Disability Scholarship | 4 awards of $1,000 each | 2/15/2023 |
This annual award will be granted to a deserving SAVMA member who carries the extra burden of a mental illness, learning disability, physical disability, or chronic disease during their time as a veterinary student. Applicants are required to submit a letter explaining what this scholarship would mean to them and the management of their health hardship. Disclosure of condition is not required. |
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Second Chance Grant | $1,000 | 2/5/2023 at 12:59am CST |
This grant is to assist students who are/were on academic probation, remediating, or in the process of appealing. There will be one recipient for this grant. Eligible students must explain academic situation and financial need. Financial need may include: rent, groceries, mental health resources, tutoring or other form of learning assistance, or any other living expenses. |
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Wellbeing Support Fund | Up to $1,000/cycle | Fall Cycle: 9/1/2023-12/31/2023 Summer Cycle: 3/1/2023-6/15/2023 |
This award offers funding to veterinary students and veterinary school organizations that wish to promote physical, mental, and emotional health at their college of veterinary medicine. Applicants may apply either to be reimbursed for a project retroactively or proactively. | ||
LGBTQ+ Wellbeing Grant | Two $500 grants in two different cycles | Spring Cycle: 1/31/2023-3/15/2023 Fall Cycle: 9/1/2022-10/15/2022 |
The SAVMA Wellbeing Committee would like to acknowledge and assist individuals or clubs involved with support of the LGBTQ+ community. This grant provides funds to individuals or groups who are hosting events, disseminating information, or otherwise supporting the LGBTQ+ community. This is to foster positivity and communication among LGBTQ+ community members and allies. |