VMC | Photo by Bethany Althauser | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State veteran organizations offer ten grants for career advancement for veterans and dependents until Oct. 13.
Grants
The WSU Veteran and Military Center and Veteran and Military Alumni Society proposed and conducted the grants of up to $500.
“[Veteran’s are] selfless by training, possibly by nature, because to join the military, it's an all-volunteer force. So they are wired, potentially, to want to give back,” Seth Gordon, director of the VMC, said.
The VMC and VMAS are flipping this script, now giving back to the veterans what they have naturally done for others.
For the first time ever, funded by Fifth Third Bank, ten grants of up to $500 will be applied to these career advancement opportunities. If successful, the VMA hopes to expand the program to acquire more donors and give away more funds for career advancement.
As Gordon states, the grants will help transition veterans into the workforce, where education is traditionally already paid for by the military in other programs, such as the G.I. Bill. The career advancement grant funding may be the final push needed for a debt-averse veteran to pursue career advancement.
According to a Pew Research Study, approximately 26% of veterans have trouble adjusting to civilian life. The grants aim to lessen this burden in an area besides traditional academics that may be already taken care of.
“When it comes to getting your academic career taken care of, there are a number of different options available, so we really didn't want to be overly redundant in establishing a program that pays for school,” Anthony Heiland, founder and president of VMAS, said.
Applying and qualifying
The grants have not yet garnered applications, and the deadline is now extended to Oct. 13.
Veterans, military-connected students (including ROTC and National Guard), spouses and dependents all qualify. Qualified individuals can apply to the Career Advancement Program here.
