Student Convention Reimbursement Program

The Student Convention Reimbursement Program, courtesy of The Foundation for the Horse and Altano, expands access to high-impact educational and professional development opportunities for equine veterinary students by providing travel assistance to attend the AAEP Annual Convention. Through collaboration with AAEP student chapters, the program helps reduce financial barriers that may prevent students from participating in this premier educational event.

Attendance at the convention provides students with opportunities to engage in continuing education sessions, develop practical and leadership skills, connect with peers and industry professionals, and explore diverse career paths within equine veterinary medicine. Participants also gain valuable networking opportunities with mentors, employers, and leaders in the profession, helping to build relationships that support long-term career success.

By investing in student participation, the program strengthens the future of the equine veterinary profession by encouraging professional engagement, fostering leadership, and preparing the next generation of veterinarians to contribute to a collaborative, innovative, and sustainable industry.

Where future equine veterinarians connect, learn, and grow.

Travel reimbursement awards will help students attend the 2026 AAEP Annual Convention.

Awards, Eligibility & Application Process

Review award benefits, eligibility requirements, and application instructions below.

  • Complimentary student registration to the AAEP Convention ($80 value)
  • Complimentary registration to the Extended Student Program at the AAEP Convention ($125 value)
  • $500 travel reimbursement* for attending the AAEP Annual Convention

The travel reimbursement is paid after attendance of the AAEP Annual Convention through the direct deposit service bill.com. Detailed instructions will be emailed to award winners.

  • Current AAEP Student member with membership paid through the award year: August 31, 2027.
  • Must be registered and attend the AAEP Annual Convention and the Extended Student Program.
  1. Each Student Chapter Advisor may select 2 students for this award, with the opportunity to submit an additional 3 alternates by completing the form below by September 6.

Please note that the following are required when submitting applicants for this award:

  • First & Last Name
  • AAEP Student Member ID
  • Student email
  1. Selected students will receive instructions on how to register for your complimentary student registrations by September 8.
    A. The deadline to book the lowest-rate hotel room is September 17. AAEP Convention registration is required to access the housing options and book your room.
    B. The deadline to register for Extended Student Program is October 30.

Selection will continue through October 15 as awards are available.

Note if you are not registered for the AAEP Annual Convention and the Extended Student Program by October 30, your award will be transferred to another student on the wait list.

  1. Travel reimbursements sent via bill.com after AAEP Annual Convention.

Partner Spotlight: Altano

The Foundation for the Horse is proud to partner with Altano to provide 15 additional Student Convention Reimbursement Awards annually. Through their continued support, more veterinary students have the opportunity to attend the AAEP Annual Convention, connect with leaders in the profession, and gain experiences that will shape their future careers. This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to investing in the future of equine veterinary medicine and ensuring the profession continues to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about nominations, awards, eligibility, and reimbursement.

No. Student Convention Reimbursement Awards are awarded through nominations submitted by AAEP Student Chapter Advisors.

Each AAEP Student Chapter Advisor may nominate up to two students, with the option to submit up to three alternates.

Student Chapter Advisors will need each student’s:

  • First and last name
  • AAEP Student Member ID
  • Student email address

Recipients receive:

  • Complimentary student registration to the AAEP Annual Convention
  • Complimentary registration to the Extended Student Program
  • $500 travel reimbursement following attendance verification

Yes. Awarded students will receive instructions on how to register for complimentary student registration for both:

  • AAEP Annual Convention
  • Extended Student Program

Travel reimbursement is issued after attendance at the AAEP Annual Convention has been verified through Bill.com.

Awards may be reassigned to another eligible student on the waitlist if registration requirements are not completed by the deadline.

Student Chapter Advisors may submit up to three alternate nominees. Additional awards may become available as selections continue through October 15.

More questions?

If you have questions regarding the Student Convention Reimbursement Program, please email Elaine Young at scholarships@aaep.org.
If you have questions regarding AAEP Student programs or student activities at the 72nd AAEP Annual Convention, please email Nick Altwies, director of membership at AAEP, at naltwies@aaep.org.