New Grant Programs Offer Financial Support Opportunities
The AASV Foundation has announced two important opportunities for early-career swine veterinarians to receive student debt relief. A total of twelve grants, each valued at $7,500, will be awarded during the 2026 AASV Annual Meeting.
Applications for both programs must be submitted by December 1, and the process is the same for each opportunity. However, the eligibility requirements differ based on the applicant’s graduation year and professional role.
The Dr. Conrad and Judy Schmidt Family Student Debt-Relief Scholarships began in 2019 as the foundation’s first effort to support swine veterinarians through financial assistance. This program continues to expand, and in 2026, two scholarships will be awarded to qualified applicants.
Eligible individuals must be 2 to 5 years of post-graduation and actively working in private veterinary practice, with at least half of their workload focused on providing on-farm services to independent pork producers. Applicants must have remained with AASV members since veterinary school and attended the AASV Annual Meeting while enrolled.
The second opportunity, the AASVF/Zoetis Foundation Student Debt-Relief Grant Program, will award ten grants in its third year of operation. This program welcomes applicants working in private practice, production companies, universities, or pharmaceutical roles. Members who graduated between 2016 and 2023, joined AASV as student members, and have devoted at least 50% of their professional work to swine health may apply.
Applicants who qualify for the Schmidt scholarship will automatically be considered for both programs using a single application. Past recipients are recognized publicly and are not eligible to reapply.
Applications can be submitted online through the official AASV Foundation website. Grant recipients will be announced at the 2026 AASV Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, offering valuable support to veterinarians working to strengthen swine health and production systems.