Grand Valley State University has guaranteed admission to all 2021 Michigan high school graduates who have enlisted in the U.S. military for at least two years.
The GVSU Veteran Promise, which the university says is the first of its kind in the nation, was announced on Veteran’s Day. Students in the program will be able to study online while they’re on active-duty years or enroll after they leave the military.
“Some veterans face unique challenges transitioning to civilian life,” GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella said. “Offering guaranteed admission to 2021 Michigan high school graduates to attend GVSU eliminates the worry about being accepted to college.”
Student veterans’ military training, character and dedication enrich classroom discussions, enhance campus diversity and represent an unrivaled pool of talent, Mantella said.
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Last year, the university, which enrolls more than 330 veterans, created a position for a military and veteran resource manager to support to military-connected students and their dependents, and promote the institution in the military community.
Nearly 200,000 service members become veterans each year, and about 115,000 of those veterans enter college within seven months of leaving the military. Most veterans return to their home state to enroll.
The GVSU Veteran Promise may also help Michigan reach its Sixty by 30 Goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a college degree or professional certificate from 45% to 60% by 2030, said Zaneta Adams, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
Grand Valley State also offers:
- Student Veterans Network supports veterans, active service members and dependents in degree completion and post-military careers.
- TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program provides free academic support services to low-income veterans.
- Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) connects incoming veterans with student-veteran mentors who help new students navigate college life.
- Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab trains veterans and military families to develop and launch a business.
- Military Police Basic Training Program trains military police veterans interested in transitioning to civilian policing.
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