Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** thisproject aims to strengthen…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** thisproject aims to strengthen and expand a newly established collaboration offering a bachelor of science in animal sciences from the university of illinois and an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology from parkland college. The joint degree program was pursued to highlight a viable career path for undergraduate students interested in veterinary medicine while also addressing the national shortage of skilled veterinary technology professionals. University of illinois students typically begin their undergraduate studies in animal sciences with the goal of attending veterinary school. While some students achieve this goal, most find themselves searching for an alternate career path midway through the curriculum; the latter group tends to include traditionally underrepresented students in higher education. Additionally, the program facilitates pursuit of a baccalaureate degree for students who start in the parkland college veterinary technology program. Fundingwillsupport focused advising at the partner institutions to place and guide students along these pathways. To accommodate increased enrollment from this opportunity, funds willalso expand instructional capacity within the parkland veterinary technology program to maintain an appropriate student-to-instructor ratio per accreditation standards. The outcome will be a cadre of skilled, dual-degree professionals with the leadership and problem-solving capacity to respond to challenging issues within the veterinary field and greater agricultural industry.