Cal Poly Interns Gain Experience at Santa Anita

[Wandering Eyes]

Edited Press Release

Two students from California Polytechnic University Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) studying in its Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Equine Studies program recently joined Santa Anita Park as interns through an ongoing partnership between the famed racetrack and world-renowned university.

Amaranta Torres, a senior, and third-year student Keira Roberts–both majoring in Animal Science, pre-veterinary at Cal Poly Pomona–were selected to intern at Santa Anita during the spring semester. They started Jan. 30 and will complete a minimum of 60 hours through the end of April working in various departments at Santa Anita. Now in its third year, the program was launched to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform effectively in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

“Our goal is to turn passion into opportunity,” said Jodie Vella-Gregory, Vice President of Industry Relations for 1/ST. “By offering meaningful professional experiences, 1/ST and Santa Anita Park look to be a part of preparing the next generation of equine professionals. It's inspiring to see these students take the next step into veterinary school and industry careers.”

To be selected, students are required to provide a statement of interest for the internship to Cal Poly Pomona's Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. Preference is given to students majoring in the Animal Science/Pre-Vet option or Animal Health Science option. Students with the intent of working in the equine veterinary medicine (DVM or RVT) are strongly desired. The department chair and class leader choose the top two candidates based on their statement of interest, GPA, and future goals.

“The internship has gained notoriety throughout the animal and veterinary sciences program at Cal Poly Pomona,” said Dakota R. Discepolo, assistant professor of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. “It has become a competitive and highly sought-after opportunity due to its success. The internship embodies the Cal Poly Pomona motto–learn by being. These students are getting advanced training, which will prepare them for their future careers. We are excited for these students to be at Santa Anita, having a one-of-a-kind experience, and we look forward to continuing this partnership.

Cal Poly Pomona, part of the California State University system, is the most diverse polytechnic university in the nation and is known for its hands-on approach to learning.

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