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SPOTLIGHT ON IMPROVING ACCESS TO THE RVC
For some people, an education at the ACT Sylvanus Scholar Salsabil Houdane said, ACT Catt Scholar Amber graduated in July 2023
RVC and dreams of becoming a vet, vet “This scholarship has genuinely meant the and said, “It is difficult to express my gratitude for
nurse or scientist can seem unattainable, world to me as my biggest stress factor about my scholarship – without this help, I would not
largely because of the costs. The RVC university was the financial aspect of it. Without have been able to continue studying and my life
has a number of strategies to address a scholarship, I had been planning on finding would look very different now. The scholarship
this and thereby improve diversity in the several part-time jobs to aid in funding my has not only helped me massively but it’s also
veterinary sector. We support the RVC in studies, however now, I know I can focus more helped my mum. Being a single mum and
its aim to remove barriers and do this in on my studies.” medically retired she naturally worried about
several ways. Encouraging future students me getting through university without financial
Supporting the Gateway Programme Thanks to donations made in memory of RVC support. The scholarship helped relieve this worry
for us both. I would not be a veterinary nurse
Until 2005 there was significant concern that alumnus, Ho Mah Soon, we were delighted to without the Catt Scholarship, I really do owe my
young people from certain socio-economic support the Animal Aspirations group by funding future career to the generosity of Elizabeth Catt.”
backgrounds were either not applying to or an event for young people from ethnically diverse
not being accepted by vet schools. The RVC backgrounds. The children were invited to the RVC
therefore launched the pioneering Gateway to learn about different animal related careers,
Programme, effectively a preparation year get hands on experience with real dogs, horses
between A-levels and the BVetMed degree, and calves and examine specimens in our Bone
to offer students who may have been Museum. These events open up the veterinary and
educationally disadvantaged, the opportunity science worlds to young people at a time when
to be better prepared for the course. they are considering their futures and we hope to
welcome some of our attendees in the future.
Whilst this has succeeded in opening up
the veterinary sector to a large number of Scholarships – removing financial
students (currently 50 per year), it adds an barriers to education
additional year onto an already long, five- We were truly touched to receive a legacy from
year course and many students struggle ACT supporter, Elizabeth Catt, who wanted to
financially. We were delighted when help young people pursue careers to help animals.
the Sylvanus Trust agreed to fund two Elizabeth had wanted to become a vet but was
scholarships for the Gateway Programme not able to do so. We created the ACT Catt
and they have made a tremendous Scholarship to support those wanting to become
difference to the recipients. veterinary nurses.
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