Become a Pathway Builder Volunteer
In one day, you can help a young person see what’s possible.
As a volunteer, you’ll share your experience, lead hands-on learning, and inspire youth to explore careers in animal science and veterinary medicine.
Our Volunteer Path:
Join the network today. Volunteer when the right opportunity comes your way.
Upcoming Youth Pathway Events
●
Upcoming Youth Pathway Events ●
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine® Youth Pathways Program by the blendVET® Foundation is a free national educational initiative designed to introduce K–12 students to careers in veterinary medicine and animal health through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.
The program travels to select cities across the United States, with a focus on expanding access and opportunity within underserved and underrepresented communities. Students participate in live educational events hosted in partnership with middle and high schools, technical career schools, veterinary colleges, and community organizations.
At each event, students rotate through interactive VETlabs where they experience real-world veterinary skills and career pathways firsthand. Depending on the event, VETlabs may include emergency and critical care, surgery, shelter medicine, dentistry, nutrition, equine medicine, wildlife and zoological medicine, laboratory sciences, communication, leadership, and more.
The experiences are led by real veterinary professionals who volunteer their time and expertise, including general practice veterinarians, specialty veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice managers, and other animal health professionals.
The Youth Pathways Program is intentionally designed as a multi-level experience so students can continue growing their knowledge and confidence over time:
Youth Pathways 1.0 introduces students to the veterinary profession and foundational career exploration.
Youth Pathways 2.0 builds on that experience with expanded hands-on learning, deeper career conversations, and increased exposure to veterinary specialties and professional skills.
Youth Pathways 3.0 provides advanced mentorship, leadership development, networking opportunities, and more in-depth exploration of veterinary and animal health career pathways.
Students may have the opportunity to participate in the program up to three times as they progress through the different levels, helping them build confidence, community, mentorship connections, and a stronger sense of belonging within veterinary medicine.
-
Our veterinary professional volunteers are at the heart of the Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine® Youth Pathways experience. Whether serving as a Team Captain guiding students through the day or leading a hands-on VETlab station, volunteers have the opportunity to mentor, encourage, and inspire students by sharing their own career journeys and experiences within veterinary medicine and animal health.
For many students, this may be their first opportunity to meet a veterinarian, veterinary technician, practice manager, or animal health professional who helps them see what is possible for their future. Your presence, encouragement, and willingness to share your story can leave a lasting impact not only on students, but also on the parents, caregivers, educators, and communities supporting them.
Volunteers consistently share that participating in Youth Pathways reignites their own sense of purpose, connection, and passion for the profession. Sometimes a single conversation, moment of encouragement, or hands-on experience can help a student believe that veterinary medicine is a feasible career path for them too.
-
We encourage licensed veterinary professionals, veterinary technicians, practice managers, veterinary university faculty, and animal health industry professionals who are passionate about supporting youth career exploration to volunteer.
We also welcome university students and recent graduates within veterinary medicine, animal health, agriculture, and related sciences who are looking to gain experience, expand their professional network, strengthen their resumes or CVs, and begin building their career portfolios.
While specific experience is not required, any exposure to the veterinary, animal health, or agriculture industries is valuable. Our team works to match each volunteer with a role that aligns with their background, experience level, interests, and comfort level so everyone can contribute in a meaningful way
-
Most Youth Pathway volunteer experiences are typically full day experiences about 6–9 hours per day, depending on the event location, program schedule, and volunteer role. All events are one day only. Volunteers may assist with a Youth Pathways event setup and closeout, student programming, mentorship, and VETlab teaching.
We understand that schedules and availability vary. For select events, we accommodate half-day volunteer experiences based on the specific event timing and program needs. If you have limited availability, we encourage you to reach out to our team so we can explore volunteer opportunities that may be a good fit.
-
Yes. Volunteers receive 3 types of free training.
Child Protective Training
Prior to the event, all volunteers are required to complete our Child Protective Training before engaging in our Youth Pathways program. This online training helps ensure volunteers are prepared to support a safe, positive environment for youth participating in our program. After signing up to volunteer, you’ll receive instructions for accessing and completing the required training prior to your volunteer experience.
Virtual Volunteer Orientation
Prior to the event, participants will be required to engage in a virtual Volunteer Orientation, which includes an overview of the program, event logistics, volunteer expectations, role descriptions, and helpful preparation materials. Volunteers should watch their email about 2-4 weeks before the Youth Pathways program for an invitation to attend the virtual orientation. Depending on the event timeline, volunteers may have the opportunity to attend a live virtual orientation session or watch the replay at their convenience.Youth Pathways Event Briefing:
On the day of the event, volunteers will also participate in a short on-site briefing before students arrive to help everyone feel prepared, supported, and event-day ready. -
There is no fee to volunteer with the Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine® Youth Pathways Program through the blendVET® Foundation. However, there is a $19 fee for the required background check. (See Background Check FAQ below.)
As a nonprofit organization, blendVET® Foundation is not able to reimburse volunteers for travel, transportation, lodging, meals, parking, conference registration fees, or other personal expenses related to volunteering.
Some Youth Pathways events may take place alongside larger industry conferences or educational events. In certain cases, conference registration or event access credentials may be required. If you are volunteering specifically for the Youth Pathways experience, please contact our team to discuss potential volunteer access options that may be available for that event
-
Please refer to the dates, times, and arrival details listed on the volunteer sign-up page for each individual Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine® Youth Pathways event. Volunteers are encouraged to plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for parking, check-in, wayfinding, and the on-site volunteer briefing.
Please note that some event locations — including conference centers, university campuses, and large venues — may require significant walking time from parking areas to the event location.
-
Comfortable, casual attire is encouraged. Volunteers can expect to be active throughout the day while moving between VETlabs, mentoring students, and assisting with hands-on activities.
Scrubs, or veterinary team apparel are all appropriate options. Volunteers will receive a blendVET® Foundation event t-shirt at check-in to wear during the event.
For safety purposes, closed-toe shoes are required, as some activities may involve live animals, medical equipment and Sharps needles, or hands-on veterinary learning materials.
To help maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and student-focused environment, volunteers may be asked to remove or cover clothing, accessories, or visible messaging that includes profanity, discriminatory language, racially biased messaging, political campaigning, offensive imagery, or other content deemed inappropriate for a youth educational event.
Want to show your pride beyond event day? Explore additional apparel and merchandise at blendVET Shop. All proceeds are donated to the blendVET® foundation.
-
Volunteer roles may vary depending on the event location, student attendance, and program needs, but all volunteers play an important role in helping students feel welcomed, encouraged, and inspired throughout the Youth Pathways experience.
One of the most common volunteer roles is serving as a VETlab Instructor. These volunteers — often veterinary and animal health professionals — help guide students through hands-on learning stations related to their area of expertise. Based on your background and the needs of the event, you may facilitate activities, share career insights, answer questions, and help students explore different areas of veterinary medicine and animal health. Volunteers are provided with the materials and guidance needed for their stations and are encouraged to bring their own personality and teaching style to the experience.
Another important role is serving as a Team Captain. Team Captains guide a group of students throughout the event as they rotate through VETlabs and activities together. This role is ideal for volunteers who enjoy mentorship, relationship-building, leadership, and creating a positive group experience for students.
Some volunteers may also serve in flexible support roles, helping with event logistics, student engagement, volunteer support, materials, setup, transitions between activities, and event wrap-up tasks. These volunteers help keep the day running smoothly and are often the extra helping hands that make a big difference behind the scenes.
Our team works to match volunteers with roles that align with their background, comfort level, experience, and interests whenever possible.
-
Yes. All volunteers are expected to help create a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and professional environment for students, educators, families, fellow volunteers, animals, and event partners throughout the Youth Pathways experience. All volunteers are required to participate in an on-demand Child Protection Training (reference FAQ #5).
Volunteers should follow all event instructions, safety procedures, venue policies, and professional conduct expectations shared by the blendVET® Foundation team and host location. Depending on the event venue, volunteers may also be required to wear an event badge, volunteer credential, or conference access pass during the program.
If a Youth Pathways event is hosted alongside a larger conference or partner event and you are attending specifically to volunteer, please contact the blendVET® Foundation team in advance so we can discuss event access options and volunteer check-in instructions.
Additional volunteer guidelines, expectations, and event details will be shared during the Volunteer Orientation and pre-event communications.
For the safety of all participants, volunteers, and event attendees, alcohol, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and weapons of any kind — whether concealed, openly carried, or otherwise permitted through personal licensing — are prohibited on the premises of any Youth Pathways event location.Harmful or toxic materials, unauthorized medical or laboratory substances, personal animals or pets, animal cadavers, blood, plasma, bodily fluids, and non-approved equipment or supplies unrelated to the event are also prohibited.
Any donated materials, educational supplies, demonstration equipment, live animals, or specialty items intended for use during the event must receive prior approval from the blendVET® Foundation team before being brought onto the premises.
-
Yes. The Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine® Youth Pathways Program is a youth-focused educational initiative serving K–12 students. All adult participants involved in the event experience — including volunteers, instructors, speakers, staff, photographers, vendors, and other approved event participants — are required to complete a background check and/or screening process prior to the event.
The background check costs $19 and is completed through our third-party screening provider. As part of the volunteer sign-up process, you’ll also be asked to review and agree to the blendVET® Foundation Volunteer Background Check Policy and provide authorization for the screening. You’ll receive access to the policy and background check information after you sign up to volunteer.
The blendVET® Foundation respects the privacy and confidentiality of all background check and screening information. Any records or information obtained during the screening process will be handled confidentially and shared only with authorized individuals involved in the volunteer approval process, unless disclosure is otherwise required by law, court order, legal proceeding, law enforcement request, or applicable safeguarding regulations.
If an individual is not approved to participate as a blendVET® Foundation volunteer based on the results of a required background check or screening process, the individual will be notified privately via email and will not be permitted to volunteer, attend, or remain on the premises of the Youth Pathways event location.These safety measures help the blendVET® Foundation maintain a safe, supportive, and trusted environment for students, families, educators, volunteers, and partner organizations. Requirements may vary depending on the event location, school district policies, university host requirements, or partner organization guidelines.
-
In many cases, volunteers may receive light refreshments, snacks, beverages, or meals at no cost depending on the event schedule, location, and available event resources. Details related to food availability will be communicated prior to each event whenever possible.
Please be sure to list any dietary restrictions, food allergies, or accommodation needs during the volunteer sign-up process so our team can plan ahead appropriately whenever possible.
Because every Youth Pathways event is unique, volunteers are also encouraged to bring personal snacks, water bottles, or any items needed to remain comfortable throughout the day.
-
Yes. We strive to create a safe and supportive experience for all volunteers whenever possible. During registration, volunteers are encouraged to share any dietary restrictions, food allergies, medical considerations, or supply-related allergies — including sensitivities such as latex.
Our team will make reasonable efforts to accommodate volunteer needs through event planning, station assignments, materials, or other adjustments whenever feasible. Because event locations and resources may vary, we encourage volunteers with significant allergy or medical concerns to contact the blendVET® Foundation team directly prior to the event with any questions or accommodation requests.
-
Absolutely. Please include any allergies, sensitivities, or medical accommodation needs during the volunteer registration process so our team can plan ahead and make reasonable adjustments to your station assignment, materials, or volunteer responsibilities whenever possible.
-
To volunteer for an upcoming Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine® Youth Pathways event, please complete the volunteer sign-up form through the Youth Pathways — blendVET® Foundation page.
After submitting your information, you will receive a confirmation email along with any next steps, forms, event details, or Volunteer Orientation communications related to your selected event(s).
-
If your availability changes and you are no longer able to attend, please notify our team as soon as possible at so we can update volunteer planning and support event staffing needs.
Contact hello@blendvetfoundation.org