In September, AVMA pulled its $300,000 contribution for VLE over the next four years, just a day after the Student AVMA (SAVMA) pledged $25,000 from its reserves for the 2010 VLE program.

SAVMA's contribution came at a price of a $2-membership dues increase for each SAVMA member. At the time, AVMA pledged to prioritize its programs and possibly reinstate funding following its November board meeting.

The reinstated contribution of $150,000 comes close to AVMA's previous level of support for VLE for the next two years (instead of four).

AVMA has funded the program since 2005, spending a total of $315,000.

"I'm pleased that the AVMA's moving forward to continue its funding of this really important project, which many students have characterized as life changing," says VLE co-founder and facilitator Dr. Richard M. DeBowes.

VLE is a leadership development program for veterinary students founded in 2002 at Washington State University.

The funding pledge for VLE follows an association announcement that it is considering a $50 per year dues increase for members at its Jan. 9 House of Delegates meeting. The increase, the first since 2004, would raise dues to $300 per year for AVMA members and generate about $3.5 million in new revenue to offset a projected $1.8 million deficit for 2009.