Twenty-seven veterinary students intent on a career in equine medicine have received financial support through the Winner’s Circle Scholarship Program, co-sponsored by the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) Foundation, Platinum Performance, and The Race for Education.

The Winner’s Circle scholarships are intended to help ease the financial burden of a veterinary education by offering fourth-year students at each of the AAEP’s 38 full or full-affiliate student chapters an opportunity to earn scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the needs of the individual student. Students are selected for scholarships based on their leadership roles and dedication to a future in equine healthcare.

“The rising cost of veterinary school continues to present challenges to talented students who endeavor to enter the equine veterinary profession,” said Jeff Berk, VMD, chairman of the AAEP Foundation Advisory Council. “The Winner’s Circle Scholarship program provides financial relief for proven student leaders who have pledged their careers to advancing the health of horses. We are grateful to all of our donors and especially thank our partners Platinum Performance and The Race for Education for all their support.”

Twelve students received $1,500 scholarships; 15 others received $5,000 scholarships, which included $4,000 in funds from a federal matching grant that The Race for Education received from the Assets for Independence program administered through The Race for Education’s Federal Grant program. Only U.S. students attending veterinary school in the U.S. were eligible for awards through the federal matching grant. An additional 17 applicants not selected for Winner’s Circle scholarships also received $4,000 awards through the federal matching grant