AAVMC and Chewy Health Open Applications for 2026 Scholarship Program
The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) and Chewy Health are now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of the Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program, a professional development initiative for second-year veterinary students from underserved groups who are interested in expanding their leadership skills.
The 2026 cohort will include fifteen students, each receiving a $20,000 scholarship, awarded directly to their institutions during the Fall 2026 semester. Beyond financial support, the program offers participants access to professional development opportunities, including monthly mentoring sessions through MentorVet, an in-person leadership summit at Chewy’s headquarters in Florida, and a six-month post-graduation mentorship and development curriculum. Graduates also join the Chewy Veterinary Leaders alumni network, creating long-term connections and continued growth opportunities.
“Our collaboration with Chewy Health provides students not just with financial support but with the tools and networks to thrive as leaders in veterinary medicine,” said Ted Mashima, DVM, Interim CEO of the AAVMC. “By supporting students from diverse backgrounds, we are helping cultivate a profession that is more inclusive, innovative, and reflective of the communities it serves.”
Mita Malhotra, President of Chewy Health, added, “This program is about creating pathways for the next generation of veterinary leaders. Through mentorship, leadership training, and community-building, we aim to equip students with the confidence, skills, and connections they need to succeed and make an impact in the field.”
Participants have consistently praised the program’s combination of professional development, mentorship, and community. “This opportunity has been such a blessing,” said Kennedi Robinson, 2025 Chewy Veterinary Leader and veterinary student at Purdue University. “From the scholarship support to the leadership conference at Chewy HQ, I gained invaluable skills, mentorship, and lifelong connections. Chewy Health’s investment in future veterinarians is inspiring, and I’m excited to see how this program continues to shape our careers.”
Applications and eligibility information are available at awards.aavmc.org. The deadline to apply is November 4, 2025.
