College gets $146,000 grant to help its VT program, construct new center

NEWTON, MASS. — The 2008 federal budget includes a $146,000 grant to Mount Ida College to help the School of Animal Science there expand its veterinary-technology program with construction of a new Center for Veterinary Technology.

Mount Ida's is one of 16 accredited baccalaureate programs in veterinary technology in the country.

The new $5 million center will consolidate veterinary-technology faculty offices, classrooms, laboratories and animal-care facilities. It will double the current kennel space to house enough animals to support anticipated growth in enrollment.

Funding will be through a mix of financing, college resources and philanthropic support. The $146,000 grant is included in the final omnibus appropriations bill passed by Congress.

The school launched a "Campaign for the Center for Veterinary Technology," seeking to raise at least $2 million for the project. For details, visit www.mountida.edu/ccvt, e-mail vettech@mountida.edu or call (617) 928-4630.