The 91ÖÆÆ·³§ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø College of Veterinary Medicine's Veterinary Science Training, Education, and Preparation Institute (VET STEP) is a one-week residential program designed to introduce minority high school students to veterinary medicine. Students attend stimulating academic classes, participate in hands-on activities and laboratory exercises, prepare presentations, engage in stimulating discussions, and participate in field trips. If you are entering grades 9-12, join us this summer at 91ÖÆÆ·³§ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø College of Veterinary Medicine! Learn in an academically challenging and engaging environment.
All students are selected and placed in order of merit based on GPA, a 200-word minimum essay, and recommendation letters from a school guidance counselor and a science teacher. The VET-STEP summer program is very competitive. Last year (2025), we had an influx of students applying for a limited number of slots. Vet-Step is free of charge. The parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to and from 91ÖÆÆ·³§ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø.
We will consider transcripts emailed by the respective schools as official for GPA purposes. All rising 9th graders can use their 8th-grade final report card, since most middle schools do not have GPAs. Letters of recommendation can be emailed to tucvmvetstep@tuskegee.edu or jjones@tuskegee.edu.
Due to the high volume of applications, please ensure all required items are included in your application packet. If all items are not received, applications will be rendered incomplete and not accepted for admission.
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
Deadline/Close date from March 6, 2026, to March 9, 2026 *******only completed applications will be considered****
Completed applications and questions can be emailed to the following: tucvmvetstep@tuskegee.edu
Vet Step I, June 8-12, 2026
Vet Step II, June 22-26, 2026.
Vet-Step I: 55 applicants for 30 slots
Vet-Step II: 105 applicants for 30 slots
Due to funding cuts, we can only bring in 25 students per session for 2026.
Participants are required to stay on the 91ÖÆÆ·³§ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø campus for the entire program. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Tuskegee. Classroom instruction is from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are also regularly scheduled activities from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the evenings.
Topics/Activities
Conducting Research
Clinical Learning
Conceptual Learning
Introduction to Public Health
Anatomy I
Visit to the Goat Farm
Introduction to Laboratory Animal Medicine
Introduction to Veterinary Pathology
Advanced Biology
Introduction to Radiology
Two letters of recommendation, one from a science teacher and one from a counselor.
A complete official transcript that verifies G.P.A. (3.0) Please do not send grade reports.
A two hundred (200) word, typed (double-spaced and 12 pt. font) essay entitled ”Why I want to be a Veterinarian.”
Topics/Activities
Anatomy II
Veterinary Emergency Medicine
Clinical Learning
Veterinary Pathology II
Equine Medicine
Animal Reproduction
Veterinary Public Health
Veterinary Parasitology
Small Animal Medicine
Large Animal Medicine
Two letters of recommendation, one from a science teacher and one from a counselor.
A complete official transcript that verifies G.P.A. (3.0) Please do not send grade reports.
A two hundred (200) word, typed (double-spaced and 12 pt. font) essay entitled “Why I want to be a Veterinarian.”
**If you have already attended VET-STEP I or II, you may not attend VET-STEP I or II, again.