The Secret to Applying to College as a Military Veteran

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Veterans Education

As service members consider the choices available to them when they transition out of the military, many are faced with a difficult decision. The path to civilian life is not always straightforward, and the job security of the military appears alluring when one considers the unknowns of easing back into civilian life.

In this article, my aim is to use my story of transitioning from the Air Force to Yale University to help fellow veterans realize their options in the realm of education.

By Robert Henderson

Like many fresh-faced service members straight out of high school, I planned to attend college after completing a four-year enlistment in the Air Force. And again, a story familiar to all veterans, plans change and unexpected re-enlistments occur. Seven years later, the time had come: My contract was ending in one year. Finally, I could pursue my original plan of attending college and I had an abundant resource to fund this next phase of my life: The Post-9/11 GI Bill. While I understood the worth of this asset, I was unsure how to go about maximizing its value.

One thing I knew for certain was that I wanted to aim high (no pun intended for my fellow Air Force veterans). I had developed a love for knowledge during my years in the military. I had read hundreds of books, took night classes, and watched free lectures on YouTube during downtime on deployments. I was not the best student in high school but I had built a strong GPA taking part-time college courses while I served. My plan was to be accepted into the best possible school. Still, the application process for selective colleges can be daunting—especially for a first-generation applicant with an unusual backstory. Moreover, there appeared to be few resources that offered guidance to nontraditional applicants.

There were two obstacles in my path as I considered my decision to attend college. The first is that there were not many places to turn for advice on how to apply to a top tier college. In fact, while most of my enlisted colleagues were supportive of my efforts, a few senior enlisted individuals seemed skeptical when I told them the schools to which I had applied. To some of them, a veteran attending a top tier college was outside the realm of possibility.

The second obstacle was the transition assistance class designed to help veterans ease into civilian life. The military now requires individuals to attend this class, which primarily focuses on seeking civilian employment after leaving the military, rather than capitalizing on education benefits. The class instructor took it for granted that the majority of veterans in our class would elect to work rather than earn a degree. During a resume workshop, I asked the instructor, an employee for the Department of Labor, if we could discuss college applications. He recommended I stop by his office after the class. I took him up on the offer. He spent 15 minutes extolling the wonderment of the GI Bill but had no insight on how to apply to college as a veteran.

Luckily I had found two programs that offered exactly the sort of guidance I needed. The first organization is the Warrior-Scholar Project, an academic workshop held at universities across the country geared toward helping veterans rediscover the academic skills necessary to succeed in college. The second program is called Service to School, which links veterans who are currently attending college with a veteran seeking higher education. The student veteran acts as a mentor, guiding the applicant through the college admissions process. I now work as a mentor for Service to School, and recently helped a former Marine receive admission to Brown University.

It is important to do your research when preparing for your transition. One question often raised by fellow veterans is how they can afford to attend certain universities. The GI Bill covers the cost of tuition for state universities, they say, but how can veterans afford an expensive private school? The answer is that many colleges offer the Yellow Ribbon program, which is designed to offset remaining costs that the GI Bill does not cover. Moreover, certain schools have generous financial aid policies. Scour the websites of colleges that interest you, and if you have specific questions, do not hesitate to contact them.

As a college-bound veteran, you must create opportunities for yourself. Do not be reluctant to seek help, and say yes when others offer it. While military promotes collaboration and teamwork, sometimes veterans are so self-reliant that it verges on impediment. Someday you will be in a position to offer help to others. Until that point, accept the generosity of people in such positions. In a future post, I’ll discuss why veterans hold themselves back from applying to top tier colleges. These include class differences, too few success stories, and mindset barriers.

How Colleges Can Better Support Veterans

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Choosing a college can be challenging for anyone, but as a veteran, you want to ensure that you select an educational institution that understands your experiences. To help you know what to look for, we sat down with Senior Director of Student Success Initiatives at ASU, Nicolette Miller, who has firsthand experience working with veterans returning to school. Here are her thoughts:

What support should veterans be looking for when choosing a college?

Students should select a college that has dedicated support for their unique needs. There are a lot of nuances with applying for military benefits. Attending a university with specialized and dedicated military and veteran programs can help eliminate funding barriers as well as recognize life experience and the challenges that veteran students might encounter as they acclimate to a new life and routine and balance their studies.

It’s helpful to select a university with an established community of students who provide peer encouragement. At ASU Online, we have a dedicated success coaching team that is specially trained to understand the unique needs of veterans, active-duty military and family members or dependents. The Pat Tillman Veterans Center at ASU, which assists both campus and online students, understands the challenges that our veteran, military and dependent student population faces and helps simplify the academic process and build a successful college experience.

What programs are best for veterans reentering the workforce?

We often see our veteran students enter STEM fields based on their military experience. We also offer degree programs such as a Master of Arts in Global Security which appeals to those with military backgrounds. It trains students to critically engage global conflict and international security in a comprehensive manner designed to aid professional advancement in the military, government and private sector careers.

Programs like ASU Online also offer resources for students that may be unsure of what degree they would like to pursue or what careers might be a good fit for them. We offer enrollment coaching guidance as well as tools to help narrow down the programs that best align with their educational and professional goals.

How do I find a school that will offer course credit for my military training and experience?

NICOLETTE MILLER headshot
Nicolette Miller

Students should look for schools that accept Joint Services Transcripts (JST) and/or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcripts. The CCAF is a regionally accredited community college. If students received credit for courses taken through the CCAF while serving in the Air Force, they will submit this transcript as part of their undergraduate application. The JST will be reviewed for possible transfer credit as well.

What’s your advice for achieving a balance between academics and work when pursuing an online degree?

Identify and leverage a network of family and friends or through ASU Online with a Success Coach. Our coaches will help you formulate a plan to manage your time and set incremental goals as you navigate your degree program. They will also help you navigate the variety of resources that are available to you as a student. Expect the unexpected. Obstacles will come up along the way, but your Success Coach is available to help you overcome any academic or personal challenges you may encounter and provide you with the tools to allow you to continue your progress toward graduation.

What should I be considering as I research online degree programs?

First and foremost, you should ensure your university is regionally accredited and has a solid technology platform, flexibility and great support from staff and faculty. It’s important your university puts students first and surrounds them with a community that is committed to their success.

The Scoop About the 2023 Post-9/11 GI Bill

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This year you may consider utilizing your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to pursue higher education. As is standard, the bill has changed its coverage to match the average cost of undergraduate education.

Here are the rates for the 2022-2023 school year.

The Basics

The Post-9/11 GI Bill program is comprised of multiple payments. All payments and maximum amounts listed below apply to individuals eligible for the full benefit (100% eligibility tier). The payment and maximum amounts listed will be prorated based on your eligibility percentage if you are not eligible for the full benefit. Other benefits, such as the Yellow Ribbon Program, may help you to cover costs that the Post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover.

Public School

Students attending a public school in their resident state may be eligible to receive full coverage for tuition and fee payments. This rate is not guaranteed for all students and is the maximum amount you can receive. You may also be eligible to receive a monthly housing allowance, funding for books and supplies and a one-time rural benefit.

If you are attending a public institute of higher learning (IHL) as a non-resident student or a private IHL that is more expensive than the annual cap, you may be eligible for extra payment under the Yellow Ribbon Program. You may also qualify for in-state tuition rates if you live in the state where the school is located, regardless of your formal state of residence.

Private, Foreign and Non-College Degree-Granting Institutions

For these learning institutions, coverage will not exceed $26,381.37 per academic year. Students wanting to attend these universities may also qualify for the housing, books and supplies funding and the one-time rural benefit.

Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training

Funding is also available for those working in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. The rates are as follows:

  • First six months of training: 100% of your applicable Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)
  • Second six months of training: 80% of your applicable MHA
  • Third six months of training: 60% of your applicable MHA
  • Fourth six months of training: 40% of your applicable MHA
  • Remaining pursuit of training: 20% of your applicable MHA

You may also be eligible to receive a stipend for books and supplies.

Vocational Flight Schools

The actual net costs are not to exceed $15,075.05 per academic year.

The cap applies to all classes and/or enrollments that begin during that academic year, regardless of the academic year in which the courses or enrollments are completed.

Correspondence Schools

The actual net costs are not to exceed $12,831.78 per academic year.

National Testing Programs/Licensing and Certification Tests

You may receive a reimbursement for any fees for testing, licenses and certifications. The charge against an individual’s entitlement for payment for licensing and certification examinations and national tests will be prorated based on the actual fee for the test relative to the rate of $2,200.96 for one month. The maximum reimbursable amount for licensing and certification tests is $2,000. There is no maximum reimbursable amount for national tests.

MHA, Books/Supplies and Rural Benefit

If you are eligible for any of the above, which many GI Bill users are, here’s what you need to know about these programs:

  • The MHA is generally the same as the military BAH for an E-5 with dependents. This rate is variable and dependent on factors such as the location of your school, your rate of pursuit and whether you enrolled in the program before 1/8/18. Exceptions to the MHA include:
    • Foreign Schools: Maximum of $1,833.30
    • Exclusively Online Training (No Classroom): $916.50
    • Schools in U.S. Territories: E-5 with dependents OHA Rate for school location
  • A yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 is paid proportionately based on enrollment.
  • A one-time payment of $500 may be payable to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas if they reside in a county with six persons or less per square mile (as determined by the most recent decennial census) and either:
    • Physically relocate at least 500 miles to attend an educational institution
    • Travel by air to physically attend an educational institution if no other land-based transportation exists

For more information on your specific coverage, visit benefits.va.gov/GIBILL.

Sources: benefits.va.gov, military.com

Best Tech Majors for High Paying Jobs

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Your military service has prepared you for a lot. You have a desirable skillset that can be used in any work environment, you’re entitled to generous financial aid, and you have a perspective that can positively contribute to the workforce.

What’s the best career for you to apply your skills?

If you’re one of the many veterans looking to return to school but unsure about what major to pick, consider majoring in a tech field. Tech jobs are not only high-paying, diverse, secure and consistently growing, but these fields have experience in veteran hiring and recruiting practices.

Here are some of the most popular tech majors for veterans:

Computer and Information Technology:
Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to create, process, store, retrieve and exchange all kinds of data and information. Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Popular Information Technology Careers:
■ IT Analyst
■ IT Technician
■ Data Scientist
■ Systems Analyst
Those in the information technology field make an average salary of about $97,430, which is higher than the median annual wage for all occupations by about $52,000.

Web Development:
Web developers create and maintain websites. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. Web developers may also create content for the site. Jobs in this field are expected to grow by 13 percent, about double the average rate for all other occupations.

Popular Web Development Careers:
■ Digital Design
■ Application Developer
■ Computer Programming
■ Front-End and Back-End Development
■ Webmaster
Web designers make an average of about $77,200 per year.

Database Management:
Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure a variety of data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They also make sure that the data is available to authorized users. Most big-name companies utilize database administration, offering employment at companies of all backgrounds and environments. Jobs in this field are growing at a steady rate of about eight percent.

Popular Database Management Careers:
■ Database Engineer
■ Database Manager
■ Cybersecurity
■ Security Engineer
The average salary for database management is about $98,860 per year.

Software Development:
Software developers create computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run devices or control networks. They create, maintain and upgrade software to meet the needs of their clients. Jobs in this field are growing extremely fast at about 22 percent.

Popular Software Development Careers:
■ Software Engineer
■ Full-stack Developer
■ Quality Assurance Analyst
■ App Developer
■ System Software Developer
The average salary for software development is about $110,140 per year.

Sources: Indeed.com, BLS,

Questions to Ask Before Selecting a School

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Before applying for the first college that comes to mind, consider your goals to determine what you need from higher education.

While most colleges and universities offer an excellent education, many factors can contribute to your overall experience.

Some universities may be in undesirable locations, not provide the full benefits you could receive as a veteran or might not have the best program for your desired major.

Is this school accredited?

Accreditation is a process where a recognized group (an accreditor) looks at a school’s education program and decides whether it meets an acceptable quality standard. When choosing your school, you’ll want to confirm that it meets this accreditation status. If you attend a school that does not meet that accreditation status, you may be unable to transfer to a different school or obtain the specific courses you need to graduate. Schools that are not accredited are also not eligible to utilize federal funding programs.

What type of institution is this?

You have some options regarding the types of schools you might consider. A college or university might be a public, nonprofit (sometimes called “private”) or for-profit institution. The category can affect what you might be able to study and how much you’ll pay. Your post-9/11 GI Bill benefits make you an appealing candidate — especially to for-profit schools. Still, you’ll want to ensure that the school is more interested in giving you the education you need than the funds they receive from your enrollment. Typically, schools are differentiated by the following:

Public and nonprofit universities:

  • Usually accredited
  • Not owned by an individual or business
  • Offer a variety of majors
  • Strive to help students learn

For-profit universities:

  • Not always accredited
  • Owned by a person or business
  • Often focuses on a few majors or areas of study
  • Money driven

Does this school cover my needs for my major?

Start by researching the “top schools” for your major of interest to narrow down a list. Many schools may offer the major you want to pursue, but not all of them will have the same resources, training and opportunities you’ll need to get the best education possible. Look into your area of focus at the schools you’re interested in and see which ones offer the most extensive benefits.

How else does this school compare?

Just because a school offers your desired major or has the best program for your future career doesn’t mean the school is the best fit for you. Some schools produce more graduating students, have higher acceptance rates and better utilize your GI Bill benefits than others. Compare your top schools to see which one can best accommodate all of these needs. Some other things to consider:

  • What is the graduation rate at this school?
  • Will my GI benefits cover all of the costs?
  • Are there opportunities for internships?

Does this school offer the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for the higher out-of-state, private, overseas or graduate school tuition and fees that the Post-9 /11 GI Bill doesn’t cover. Depending on your educational and career goals, choosing a school that utilizes the Yellow Ribbon Program may be the best move to save you money and find an institution that understands the needs of veterans. To find a list of schools offering the Yellow Ribbon Program this year, visit va.gov, and search for Yellow Ribbon.

How will this school support you as a veteran?

As a veteran, you have life experiences that not everyone else can relate you. Your college campus is going to be a place where you’ll be spending a large portion of your time. Why not make it a place that meets more than your educational needs? Look into the kinds of veteran programs and supports that your school offers. Do they have a chapter of the Student Veterans of America? Do other veterans attend this school? What kinds of extracurricular activities or clubs do they have? This might not seem like the most critical aspect of choosing a school but having a support system can be extremely helpful regardless of the educational path you decide to take.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, Military Consumer, VA

Choosing a Major? Join the Tech Field

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young man walking with backpack and laptop in hand

Your military service has prepared you for a lot. You have a desirable skillset that can be used in any work environment, you’re entitled to generous financial aid, and you have a perspective that can positively contribute to the workforce. What’s the best career for you to apply your skills?

If you’re one of the many veterans looking to return to school but unsure about what major to pick, consider majoring in a tech field.

Tech jobs are not only high-paying, diverse, secure and consistently growing, but these fields have experience in veteran hiring and recruiting practices.

Here are some of the most popular tech majors for veterans:

Computer and Information Technology: Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to create, process, store, retrieve and exchange all kinds of data and information. Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Popular Information Technology Careers:

  • IT Analyst
  • IT Technician
  • Data Scientist
  • Systems Analyst

Those in the information technology field make an average salary of about $97,430, which is higher than the median annual wage for all occupations by about $52,000.

Web Development: Web developers create and maintain websites. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. Web developers may also create content for the site. Jobs in this field are expected to grow by 13 percent, about double the average rate for all other occupations.

Popular Web Development Careers:

  • Digital Design
  • Application Developer
  • Computer Programming
  • Front-End and Back-End Development
  • Webmaster

Web designers make an average of about $77,200 per year.

Database Management: Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure a variety of data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They also make sure that the data is available to authorized users. Most big-name companies utilize database administration, offering employment at companies of all backgrounds and environments. Jobs in this field are growing at a steady rate of about eight percent.

Popular Database Management Careers:

  • Database Engineer
  • Database Manager
  • Cybersecurity
  • Security Engineer

The average salary for database management is about $98,860 per year.

Software Development:

Software developers create computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run devices or control networks. They create, maintain and upgrade software to meet the needs of their clients. Jobs in this field are growing extremely fast at about 22 percent.

Popular Software Development Careers:

  • Software Engineer
  • Full-stack Developer
  • Quality Assurance Analyst
  • App Developer
  • System Software Developer

The average salary for software development is about $110,140 per year.

Sources: Indeed.com, BLS, Wikipedia

The Yellow Ribbon Program Has Expanded

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Yellow Ribbon Program

What You Need to Know:

If you’re eligible for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, but still need additional funding, you might already be aware of the advantages of the Yellow Ribbon Program.

For the 2022-2023 school year, these benefits have expanded to offer additional coverage to active-duty service members and spouses using transferred benefits of an active-duty service member.

What you should know:

What is the maximum amount covered by the GI Bill?

For the 2022-2023 school year (August 31, 2022‑July 1, 2023) the maximum amount is $26,361.37.

I wasn’t eligible last year, am I eligible now?

Besides meeting the maximum benefits requirements under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must identify with one of the following to qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • Served an aggregate period of at least 36 months on active duty and were honorably discharged
  • You received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service
  • You served at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break) on or after September 11, 2001, and were discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability
  • You’re a dependent child using benefits transferred by a veteran
  • You’re a Fry Scholar

As of August 1, 2022, active-duty service members and spouses using transferred benefits may now partake in the Yellow Ribbon program, as long as they identify with one of the two situations:

  • You’re an active-duty service member who has served at least 36 months on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service)
  • You’re a spouse using the transferred benefits of an active-duty service member who has served at least 36 months on active duty

How do I transfer my benefits to my spouse?

If you have already transferred your Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits to your spouse/dependent and they meet the necessary qualifications for the Yellow Ribbon program, then they should already be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program as of August 2022.

What is the application process?

If you submit an application for the Post-9/11 GI Bill to VA and are eligible at the 100 percent benefit level, VA will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility advising that you are potentially eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. You should provide your Certificate of Eligibility to your school which, in turn, will determine if there are slots available for the Yellow Ribbon Program (based on its agreement with the VA).

If your school has already sent us an enrollment certification, and it is processed at the same time as your application, your award letter will also display your benefit level. The school is responsible for notifying you whether or not you are accepted and approved for the Yellow Ribbon Program. The school then submits an enrollment form to VA, certifying information that is used to make payment to the school for tuition and fees and for Yellow Ribbon Program payments.

What fees will be covered?

All mandatory fees for a student’s program of education may be included. Any fees that are not mandatory, such as room and board, study abroad (unless the study abroad course is a requirement for the degree program) and penalty fees (such as late registration, return check fees and parking fines) cannot be included. These fees are not payable under the Yellow Ribbon Program or under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

For more information on the Yellow Ribbon Program and how to apply, visit benefits.va.gov.

Source: Department of Veterans Affairs

Applications Now Open for the 2023 Patriot Scholarship

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veteran student

U.S. Army student veterans can apply for one of two $10,000 scholarships

Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a business of Raytheon Technologies, in partnership with Student Veterans of America (SVA), is now accepting applications for the 2023 Raytheon Patriot Scholarship.Two $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to student veterans under this educational program, which honors those who served in the U.S. Army.

The scholarship, which carries the name of the company’s Patriot Air and Missile Defense System, is designed to help returning soldiers achieve educational goals that can lead to success in their civilian lives. The scholarships will be awarded to Army student veterans pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited university.

“It’s a privilege to support and recognize veterans who demonstrate the best in academic excellence and leadership in their communities,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land Warfare & Air Defense, a business unit of Raytheon Missiles & Defense.  “It’s one of many ways we are helping them prepare for a successful transition from active military service to civilian life.”

The Patriot Scholarship first launched in 2015 and is part of Raytheon’s broader commitment to supporting military service men and women.

All applicants will receive the opportunity to attend resume and networking workshops led by the company’s military hiring team, as well as connect with hiring managers for internship or career opportunities.

Army student veterans interested in the annual Raytheon Patriot Scholarship can now apply at Raytheon Missiles & Defense Patriot Scholarship – Student Veterans of America®. The application process will remain open until April 7, 2023.

National Scholarship Providers Association Introduces the NSPA Exchange During National Scholarship Month

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National Scholarship Month, sponsored by the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA), is a national campaign designed to raise awareness of the vital role scholarships play in reducing student loan debt and expanding access to higher education.

To celebrate, the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) has announced the launch of the NSPA Exchangethe first and only scholarship metric database.

Thanks to a partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the NSPA Exchange was created to serve as a central access point for scholarship provider data. Currently, the database is home to metrics from over 1,300 organizations, allowing members to search details about peer providers by location, compare scholarship award amounts, eligibility criteria, program staff size, and more. All information is kept in a secure, cloud-based, centralized database maintained through a custom administration system.

“Our goal for the NSPA Exchange is to ultimately define best practices and industry standards for scholarship providers.” says Nicolette del Muro, Senior Director, Membership and Strategic Initiatives at NSPA.

“With this database, members now have the data they need to make strategic decisions. For example, of the over 15,000 scholarships in the Exchange database, the average application is open for 90 days. And 75% of these scholarships open in the months of November, December, and January. This offers applicants a relatively short window of time to apply for all scholarships. Insight like this could help a provider determine to open their application outside of the busy season or encourage them to make their scholarship criteria and requirements available online in advance of the application open date.”

“The NSPA Exchange is a great resource for IOScholarships as the information is constantly updated and enables members to review and update their own organization’s scholarship data”, said María Fernanda Trochimezuk, Founder of IOScholarships and Individual Affiliate Member at NSPA. “IOScholarships also uses scholarships from the Exchange in our own Scholarship Search, and we trust these scholarships are safe for students, vetted, and current offerings.

To learn more about this exciting new NSPA initiative click here –  Launching a New Member Service: The NSPA Exchange or visit www.scholarshipproviders.org. For more details on how to sponsor the NSPA Exchange, contact Nicolette del Muro Senior Director, Membership and Strategic Initiatives at ndelmuro@scholarshipproviders.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDERS ASSOCIATION (NSPA)

The mission of the National Scholarship Providers Association is to advance the collective impact of scholarship providers and the scholarships they award. Currently serving over 2,000 individuals, they are dedicated to supporting the needs of professionals administering scholarships in colleges and universities, non-profit, foundations and businesses. Membership in the NSPA provides access to networking opportunities, professional development, and scholarship program resources.

ABOUT IOSCHOLARSHIPS

By conducting a free scholarship search at IOScholarships.com, STEM minority and underrepresented students gain access to a database of thousands of STEM scholarships worth over $48 million. We then narrow this vast array of financial aid opportunities down to a manageable list of scholarships for which students actually qualify, based on the information they provide in their IOScholarships.com profile. They can then review their search results, mark their favorites, and sort their list by deadline, dollar amount and other criteria. We also offer a scholarship organizer which is completely free to use, just like our scholarship search. There are scholarships out there for diverse students in STEM. So take advantage of National Scholarship Month and search for available scholarships today!

For more information about IOScholarships visit www.ioscholarships.com

Famous Veterans Throughout History

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Celeb Elvis Presley was far from the only person of fame to have served in the U.S. military. In fact, several people who are known for their accomplishments in other fields got their start in the armed forces. Meet some of the other well-known veterans throughout history that you may not be aware of:

 

 

 

 

The Apollo 11 Team

Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins comprised the historic Apollo 11 Team that successfully landed and walked on the moon in 1969. While they will always be remembered as the first men to go to the moon, all three of them served in the military. Armstrong served as a Navy pilot and saw action in the Korean War, Aldrin was among the top of his class at West Point before serving in Korea with the Air Force and Collins was a member of some of the most prestigious flight programs as a fighter pilot for the Air Force. All three men used their experiences from the military to eventually become astronauts with NASA, leading to the first-ever moon mission that marked their names in history.

Johnny Cash

At the ripe age of 18, before his musical career took off, Johnny Cash was a staff sergeant for the U.S. Air Force. Serving from 1950-1954, Cash was assigned to the 12th Radio Squadron Mobile of the U.S. Air Force Security Service at Landsberg, West Germany where he worked as a morse code operator intercepting Soviet Army transmissions. In fact, Cash was officially the first American to know about Stalin’s death when he decoded a message while monitoring Soviet Morse Code chatter in 1953. Cash was then tasked to tell the critical information to his superiors. Cash began his musical journey during his time in the military, having formed his first band during service: The Landsberg Barbarians. After his service and into his thriving musical legacy, Cash continued to show his appreciation for his roots by participating in concerts and events designed to support our nation’s troops.

Bea Arthur and Betty White

Long before they were your favorite Golden Girls, Bea Arthur and Betty White served in the U.S. military. At just 20 years old, Bea Arthur enlisted with the Marine Corps’ Women’s Reservists, becoming one of the first people to do so. She served as a typist at Marine Headquarters 

in Washington, D.C. and later transferred to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina to become a driver and dispatcher. Arthur was honorably discharged at the end of the war in 1945 with the title of staff sergeant. White served with the American Women’s Voluntary Services; an organization dedicated to providing support to the war effort. She also worked as a PX truck driver delivering military supplies to the barracks in the Hollywood Hills and regularly attended farewell dances for departing troops hosted to boost troop morale.

Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris

One of the most beloved figures in the veteran community, Chuck Norris wouldn’t be who he is today if it wasn’t for his service in the Air Force. In 1958, after graduating high school, Norris became an Air Policeman and was stationed at Osan Air Base in South Korea. It was there that Norris began studying martial arts and earned his first black belt in Tang Soo Do. Once Norris was discharged from service in 1962, he went on to participate in martial arts competitions, became the World Middleweight Karate Champion from 1968 to 1974 and launched his  acting career. Though it’s been 60 years since Norris was discharged from the Air Force, he still dedicates his projects, time and money to veterans’ efforts. He has worked with organizations such as the USO and the Veterans Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans  and was the spokesperson for the U.S. Veterans Administration. He received the Veteran of the Year award from the Air Force in 2001 and was even made an honorary Marine in 2007.

Harriet Tubman

Everyone knows Harriet Tubman and her brilliant work with the Underground Railroad, but  many people often forget her military history. After escaping slavery and rescuing over 70 other  slaves working for the Underground Railroad, Tubman worked with Colonel James Montgomery  and the Union Army as a nurse and spy. Her work consisted of tending to the wounds of soldiers  and escaped slaves, but mostly entailed gaining intel on the Confederate soldiers for the Union  Army. Tubman created a spy ring in South Carolina, paid informants for intel that would be useful  to the Union Army and was one of the leaders that helped to plan and execute the Combahee  Ferry Raid. The raid successfully caught Confederate soldiers off guard, allowing a group of Black Union Army soldiers to free more than 700 slaves. Her contributions made her the first woman in American history to lead a military assault.

Tammy Duckworth

Before her career as a senator for the state of Illinois, Tammy Duckworth was a combat veteran of the Iraq War. Joining the Army Reserves in 1990 and transferring to the National Guard in 1996, Duckworth served as a helicopter pilot while stationed in Iraq. In 2004, her helicopter was hit by a rocket￾propelled grenade resulting in the loss of both of her legs and limited mobility in her right arm. Despite being the first female double amputee of that particular war, Duckworth obtained a medical waiver that allowed her to continue her service in the National Guard for another 10 years. She retired in 2014 at the rank of lieutenant colonel. Duckworth has worked relentlessly to advocate for the needs and wellbeing of the veteran community. With her high ranking position with the Department of Veterans Affairs and her status as  a U.S. senator, Duckworth has created government-sponsored programs to help veterans with PTSD, advocated for the needs of women and Native American veterans, created initiatives to bring an end to veteran homelessness and helped pass the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Clint Eastwood

Before Clint Eastwood was an actor, musician, director and your favorite gun-slinging cowboy, he served in the U.S. Army. In fact, without Eastwood’s Army service, he may have never become the iconic figure he is today. Before he got the chance to enroll in college, Eastwood was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He served as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Fort Ord in California where he met future co-stars Martin Milner and David Janssen. Upon discharge from the Army, Eastwood used his GI Bill benefits to study drama at L.A. City College and soon after landed his contract with Universal Studios. The rest is history.

 

 

James Earl Jones

An iconic actor with a distinctive voice, James Earl Jones is best known for his work throughout Hollywood and as the voice of one of Hollywood’s most notorious sci-fi villains, Darth Vader. But before he ventured into the world of Hollywood, Jones served with the Army during the Korean War. A member of the University of Michigan’s Reserve Officer Training Corps, Jones was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army and assigned to Headquarters Company, 38th Regimental Combat Team. Jones served his first and only assignment at the former Camp Hale, where he helped establish a cold weather training command. His battalion became a training unit and Jones was promoted to first lieutenant before being discharged soon after. He went on to begin his acting career straight out of the service at the Ramsdell Theater in Michigan and has since made significant contributions to the world of the arts.

 

How to Write a Winning Civilian Resume

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writing civilian resume

Your civilian resume summarizes your background and experience and it’s likely to be the first information about you that an employer will see.

With your military service, you already have impressive skills and knowledge.

These tips will help you make a resume that will stand out.

 

 

 

 

Collect Your Assets

  •  Get a copy of your Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) through the Department of Defense. Your VMET will give an  overview of the skills you’ve  gained in the military.
  • Make a list of your technical skills.
    • Computer technicians, mechanics and engineers How to Write a Winning Civilian Resume have skills that can be easily converted to civilian jobs.Convert your military job training into civilian terms. For example, budgeting is a critical skill in civilian companies.
  • Make a list of your intangible skills. This list should include leadership, discipline and a strong work ethic.

Select Your Resume Style

Your resume should highlight your unique qualifications. There are different ways to organize your resume. Pick a style that highlights your strengths.

  • Chronological resume
    • Your employment history is highlighted in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position.
    • Include your responsibilities and accomplishments under each particular job.
  • Functional resume
    • Your skills are highlighted. Your work history and gaps are de emphasized.
    • Skills and accomplishments should be divided into specific areas of expertise.
  • Combination resume
    • Your skills earned in various jobs are highlighted using a job history format.
    • Your specific skills will form the main body of the resume, followed by a concise employment history.Include These Essential Components:
    • Contact information: In the heading, include your name, address, phone number and email address.
  • Objective or job target: In one or two lines, say what kind of job you’re looking or applying for and what makes you uniquely qualified.
  • Summary of qualifications: This is a bulleted section just below the objective in the visual center of the resume.
  • Include five or six lines highlighting the skills that qualify you for the job.
  • This will include your experience, certifications and related training.
  • Title this section Highlights of Qualifications, Summary of Skills or Summary of Experience.
  • Employment history: This will vary depending on the type of resume.
  • Education and training: List colleges, schools or military training schools you attended. You can list the school’s name and location, but not necessarily the dates.
  • Special skills: Include foreign languages, computer skills or any other relevant skills that will set you apart.Make Your Resume Unique to YouYou’ve got the basics down. Now use your resume to showcase your unique abilities and accomplishments.
  • Target your resume. Change and tailor your resume for the job you’re targeting. Learn what this employer looks for and highlight those qualities.

Translate everything into civilian terms

  • For example, replace “officer in charge” with “managed.”
  • Take out the acronyms and use terms civilians understand. For example, replace “SNOIC for 2d MarDiv G-3, planning and executing all logistics for operations conducted in our AOR” with “Supervised staff of 15 people. Planned and coordinated operations conducted by various subordinate units within our division.”
  • Include your accomplishments. Use numbers to highlight achievements, if possible. For example, “Managed budget of $100K” or “Reduced training time from 26 weeks to 24 weeks.
  • Be concise. Limit your resume to one or two pages.
  • Include volunteer experience if it’s relevant to the job. Volunteer experience can add to credibility and character.
  • Leave off unnecessary details. Don’t include marital status, height and weight or religious affiliation. Leave off salary information unless it was explicitly requested.
  • Check spelling and accuracy. Proofread your resume, ask someone else to proofread it and read your resume backward to catch typos.

Write a Cover Letter

Always send a cover letter with your resume. Your cover letter will explain why you’re interested in the position and how your skills make you the best choice for the job.

  • Get the name of the person in charge of hiring. Send your email or cover letter to them. Usually, you can just call the company and ask for their name.
  • Mention the job that you’re applying for in the first paragraph. Focus on describing how your skills and abilities can help the company.
  • Keep it to one page. Use a business-letter format.
  • Always follow up. Mention that you will call to follow up and don’t forget to do it.

Tap Into Resume Building Tools

These websites have tools to help you build your resume and translate your military 

credentials and experience into civilian skills. They reference veterans, but they’re also for active duty.

  • Veterans.gov from the U.S. Department of Labor has an online job exchange with access to employers, skills translators, resume builders, interest profilers, etc.
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs at va.gov offers an interest profiler, educational and career counseling and links to other job resources, such as support for veteran owned small businesses.

Prepare for Your Job Search Early

The earlier you can start your preparation for civilian employment, the better. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) office on your installation can help you get started. Military OneSource also offers the Transitioning Veterans specialty consultation to further assist you in transitioning from military to civilian life.

Taking the next step in your career can be intimidating, but it’s far from impossible. You are qualified and equipped with the right tools. Go get them!

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