6 Resources & Organizations to Help Veteran Students Transition to College
When it comes time for military service members to start, or continue, their education, they may feel overwhelmed. For as long as they've been in the military, things have been ordered, detailed, and disciplined. College isn't like that.
Veterans may struggle with depression and mental health problems more than their civilian counterparts, as both a Rand Corporation study and a Student Veterans of America study indicated. Almost 46% of military students had suicidal thoughts, compared to just 6% of nonmilitary students.
There are many challenging things about college, but resources and organizations are standing by to help student veterans. As an academic institution, your knowledge of these resources and the way you support veterans will go a long way with building relationships with them.
Military OneSource
When service members or their families need help with almost anything, they are directed to Military OneSource -- and the assistance doesn't end with retirement or separation. Eligibility extends for a year after retirement or separation, so there is still time to use the benefits and counseling. Military OneSource has education consultants that help with financial aid, scholarships, tutoring and college information. They can also help translate military credentials and training for specific requirements.
Moving Forward
Transition military students may find additional assistance from the Moving Forward course or app. This free, 100% online and self-directed program teaches problem-solving skills to help veterans and their family members handle the obstacles civilian life throws at them. The app is currently available on for iPhone users.
InTransition
Another option for veterans and service members who are attending college is the InTransition program. This free program focuses on the mental health of veterans. Enrollment is open to anyone who served with no expiration date and veterans can self-enroll or ask for a referral from their provider. The program can help veterans find local community support as well as have access to tools to help them make healthy life choices.
Student Veterans of America
One of the most popular student veteran organizations, Student Veterans of America has over 1,500 chapters on college campuses around the country. Their role is to provide resources for veterans, give them network support and advocate for them through their educational journey and beyond it.
Veterans Upward Bound Program
This Department of Education program has a goal to increase the number of veterans who enroll in and complete a postsecondary education program. Veterans Upward Bound was designed to assist veterans with the skills they need for acceptance and success in college. They help through counseling, mentoring and tutoring in core subject areas like math, science, foreign language, composition and literature.
Warrior-Scholar Project
This college-prep academic boot camp is for veterans and transitioning service members interested in the areas of humanities, STEM and business & entrepreneurship. The Warrior-Scholar Project partners with colleges and universities to offer lectures, workshops, projects and one-on-one tutoring to help veterans with the shift from military culture to academia. Programs are free and available to those who do not have a bachelor's degree or enlisted service members and veterans.
These are not the only organizations and resources available to help student veterans transition to the college lifestyle. There are many who operate at a local level and your college or university may have a unique way of supporting student veterans. We'd love to hear about how you support them.
Provide the support military-connected students need with Virtual Veterans Communities in your corner.
