Building Futures: Youth Pathways Program Inspires DC Students Through Hands-On Veterinary Learning

Youth Pathways Impact | Imaging Foundations at Leeland | Maryland/DC

On April 25, blendVET's Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine Youth Pathways program in partnership with NAVC returned to Washington, D.C., bringing immersive, hands-on STEM experiences to 58 middle school students—many of whom are exploring veterinary careers for the very first time.

Thanks to our incredible 29 volunteers, including general practice, ER, surgery, and clinical pathology professionals, students rotated through engaging VetLab stations and got a real-world glimpse into the field of animal health. Through our amazing partnership with the Animal Management Division and Imagine Foundations at Leeland, this event continues to lead in live animal engagement, featuring a diverse lineup of guinea pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, and even turtles that made the experience unforgettable.

We were especially honored to return for a second time to the Imagine Foundation schools, a relationship made possible through a meaningful connection between Niccole Bruno, DVM, and Academic Coach Cinnamon—both proud alumni of Tuskegee.

The impact didn’t stop at the classroom:
Over the past two years, three educators have adopted pets through the program, including Monty and Apple (shown in picture below). Our Community Day also provided 18 families with free pet care—including vaccines, microchips, exams, and licensing—thanks to the support of the Prince George’s County Animal Services Division (PGCASD).

This is what community-centered, inclusive education looks like—where access, opportunity, and care come together to inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Want to get involved?
Learn how to become a Youth Pathways partner, sponsor, educator, or volunteer by visiting blend.vet/pathways or contacting us directly. Together, we can build a more diverse, inclusive, and empowered future in veterinary medicine.

Special thanks to our partner: