LaGuardia Community College Receives $35,000 from GS Humane Corp. to Support Veterinary Technology Program

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (February 14, 2025) — LaGuardia Community College/CUNY has received a $35,000 grant from GS Humane Corp., a private nonprofit foundation based in New York, NY, to support students in its Veterinary Technology Program. The program is the only one of its kind within New York City’s five boroughs. Administered by the LaGuardia Community College Foundation, the grant will provide financial assistance to Veterinary Technology students for essential expenses, including textbooks, pre-exposure rabies vaccinations, and Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) fees. More than 30 Veterinary Technology students will benefit.

“On behalf of the Veterinary Technology Program at LaGuardia Community College, I would like to express our gratitude for this support from GS Humane Corp. This generous contribution will significantly impact our class of 2025 and 2026 students by removing financial barriers and allowing them to focus on their studies and career goals,” said Tara Scales, DVM, Professor of Veterinary Technology.

“This financial support from GS Humane Corp. will help ensure that our students can complete their education and enter the workforce with minimal financial burden,” said Michelle Lugones, DVM, Director of LaGuardia’s Veterinary Technology Program.

“GS Humane Corp. is proud to support students in the LAGC Veterinary Technology Program. As an organization dedicated to preventing homeless cats and promoting animal welfare across NYC, we recognize the vital role of a skilled veterinary workforce,” said Glenn Opell, Executive Director of GS Humane Corp. “Through our partnerships with organizations offering affordable spay/neuter services and veterinary care to rescue groups and low-income pet owners, we’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges posed by the ongoing vet tech shortage. We are grateful for LaGuardia’s unique and impactful program, which is an important step toward addressing this issue and ensuring better care for animals in need.”

GS Humane Corp. focuses on supporting organizations that work to improve animal welfare, including the Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition, Flatbush Cats, Animal Care Centers of New York, the ASPCA, the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts, and Shelter Animals Count.

The Veterinary Technology Program at LaGuardia Community College addresses the growing demand for licensed veterinary technicians in New York City. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the need for licensed veterinary technicians will grow by 19% by 2033, outpacing many other job sectors.

Veterinary technology is a dynamic field within veterinary medicine, responsible for providing clients and the animals they serve with compassion and veterinary medical expertise. Veterinary technicians play a pivotal role on veterinary team, carrying out medical orders prescribed by veterinarians. Like a physician and a nurse, or a dentist and a dental hygienist, the roles are separate and not in conflict. In small and large animal practice settings veterinary technicians assist with general animal care, anesthesia, surgical assistance, medical treatment, laboratory testing, and radiography. They may also function as behavioral, nutritional and general client counselors, with responsibilities extending into practice management.

LaGuardia’s Veterinary Technology program is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA-CVTEA). Graduates sit for the Veterinary Technology National Examination (VTNE), which is required to become a licensed veterinary technician. Alumni work in various settings, including privately owned or corporate veterinary practices, research institutions, animal shelters, regulatory organizations, and zoos.

To support LaGuardia Community College students, please click here.

• • • •

LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.

####