As a soon-to-be military veteran, I was wondering if there are any colleges that have programs or initiatives for vets? Ideally, I'm looking for a school that offers plenty of support for adjusting back into academic life and into civilian life in general. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Absolutely, many schools have initiatives to make the transition to college smoother for veterans. Columbia University is one notable example with their School of General Studies, specifically designed for non-traditional students including veterans. They have a strong Veterans Services office that assists students in making a smooth transition by offering a variety of resources, including academic support, career coaching, and community building activities.Similarly, Georgetown University has the Veterans Office which provides academic and financial support for student veterans including those consuming their Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits. They also have a community called Georgetown University Student Veterans Association (GUSVA) that makes sure veterans are fully integrated into the Georgetown community.
University of Southern California (USC) also has a dedicated Office for Military and Veterans Affairs that assists student veterans in connecting with the resources they need to succeed, such as healthcare, housing, and financial advice, as well as career development resources.
In addition, you should look into the Programs offered by The Student Veterans of America (SVA). This organization has chapters at many universities across the country and provides veteran students with resources and support networks.
Lastly, the VA's Principles of Excellence program is a good starting place to find schools committed to serving veterans. Schools that participate in this program agree to follow certain guidelines to support military-connected students.In general, you should look for a school that not only offers academic support, but also community and resources to help adjust to civilian life. This could include access to counseling services, career guidance, and opportunities to connect with other veterans. Equally important is to ascertain if the school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can provide additional financial assistance beyond the GI Bill® benefits.Good luck on your journey back to school. It's a brave and commendable step you're taking!
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