VET Program

Our soldiers give a lot in the service of their country, and SVA recognizes that those that paid the physical sacrifice in battle deserve an equal opportunity for a college education. As such, SVA instituted The Veterans Education Transition (V.E.T.) Program. VET is a unique concept designed to assist wounded, injured and ill veterans—not just to make the transition from the military world to civilian life, but also from the hospital to the classroom. SVA mentors empower and motivate wounded and injured veterans to choose the college that best fits their aspirations. What differentiates SVA’s program from others is that our mentors are veterans. Additionally, each SVA mentor will receive Wounded Warrior Project’s specialized peer-to-peer training.

Once V.E.T. Program candidates are accepted into the college of their choice, they are paired with a local SVA chapter. The chapter provides the support network needed to ensure that each veteran graduates.

This program is being piloted in the greater DC area. For more information on how to become a mentor, please send inquiries to contact@studentveterans.org.

SVA Scholarship

Post-9/11 GI Bill and other veteran specific educational assistance provides increased funding for many veterans. Many, however, still have financial needs that are unmet. To fill this gap, SVA scholarships directly support veterans with the greatest needs outside of traditional financing. Selection is based on a variety of factors including an applicant’s commitment to other student veterans, financial need, volunteerism, and academics. These scholarships are available to any member of SVA’s 260+ chapters.

Scholarship applications open in the Spring of the preceding award year and are awarded in the Fall of an academic year. Any member of SVA may apply for a scholarship. SVA scholarships vary depending on funding; however they generally start at $1,000.00. For more information, please contact scholarships@studentveterans.org.

SVA Chapter Grants

Due to many institutional restrictions regarding funding for student organizations, many SVA member chapters have great plans but no funding to support their event, activity, or purchase. As a result, many member chapters are not able to function at their greatest capacity, which affects the overall mission and purpose of SVA. SVA has instituted the Chapter Grant program to address this specific issue. Chapter Grants may be used for any events, activities, or purchases that further SVA’s mission and promote institutional awareness of student veterans’ issues.

The applications for chapter grants are open during selected times of the year usually at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters and are awarded on a competitive basis.

Any member chapter that meets the minimum eligibility standards may apply for chapter grants. Chapter Grants are disbursed upon approval by the Selection Committee and vary in amount. The current budget year allows for chapter grants of up to $250.00.

For more information, contact grants@studentveterans.org.

Advocacy

One of the biggest advantages of being an individual member of SVA is its ability to advocate on behalf of all student veterans. SVA aggressively advocates to ensure that student veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned and have the necessary resources to successfully transition from military to civilian life. SVA represents the interests of its members and other student veterans by working with the Department of Veterans Affairs, other Veteran Service Organizations, and members of Congress to make positive changes at the national and state level.

SVA’s priorities for 2010 include:

• Expanding the Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Improving Mental Health Care
• Transitioning from DOD to VA
• Supporting VA Certifying Officials
• Women Veterans in College
• Careers for Graduating Veterans

SVA provides advocacy in each major area of concern including GI Bill (all types), military education credit transfer, and obtaining transition services.

GI Bill Services

SVA is a growing powerhouse in helping student veterans with GI Bill Services. From legislative forums to individual concerns, SVA is here to assist student veterans and their families with concerns and questions regarding GI Bill entitlements. Regardless of which GI Bill era or entitlement, SVA’s Legislative Staff is always available to answer questions or provide local contact for resolution of issues pertaining to the GI Bill.

We would be glad to help in determining what benefits you are eligible for, or in following up on your claim for GI Bill benefits with the VA. Additionally, if your school staff is struggling to make contact with the VA or get answers on your behalf, we can help facilitate contact with the appropriate people to ensure your questions are answered.

For more information, contact us at gi.bill@studentveterans.org.

SVA Warrior Summits

Warrior Summits provide a one-stop shop where veterans can access education, benefits and employment opportunities all in one central location. Each Summit features entertainment that makes the day fun for the entire family. Centralizing all necessary components for a successful transition to a civilian life expedites the process and makes it much easier. Making necessary information more accessible and therefore your search less stressful is a major goal of each Warrior Summit.

The inaugural Warrior Summit was held in March 2009 in Chicago, IL. The Summit is a national model for organizations that support student veterans. SVA intends to expand its Warrior Summits to more locations around the country in the coming year.

SVA Community Service Initiative

As a veteran, you have dedicated your life to serving others and as such, we know that this burning desire to serve is not easily extinguished. We know that members of SVA actively look for ways to better their local communities. To help in these efforts, SVA has developed a comprehensive Community Service Initiative (CSI) that focuses on two components: community improvement and volunteer involvement.

The CSI provides student veterans with rewarding opportunities outside the classroom to continue volunteering in their local community. Not only does this improve the community, but it also gives student veterans a renewed sense of empowerment and reintegration into civilian life. CSI is committed to encouraging local service projects across the nation. To further demonstrate our commitment to this endeavor, SVA has partnered with The Mission Continues to serve as many communities as possible on September 11th, 2010.

To encourage participation in the SVA Community Service Initiative, we are pleased to announce our participation in the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a Certifying Organization. This Award is a Presidential honor established by President George W. Bush and continued by President Barack Obama. It recognizes the valuable contributions of volunteers nationwide who continue to answer the call to serve. As a Certifying Organization, SVA National will identify eligible recipients, verify their service hours, and distribute the Award to outstanding volunteers.

For more information, contact volunteer.services@studentveterans.org.

SVA National Conference

National Conferences support SVA’s overall mission of developing student veteran groups to create a network of resources, ideas and support. Open to all members and constituents of SVA National, the National Conference is held annually and provides seminars, workshops and networking events. It also features its accomplishments for the preceding year, officer meetings and elections.

This year's national conference will proudly be hosted by SVA's member chapter at Georgetown University. The 2010 national conference will be a great opportunity for you and your chapter to learn how you can improve your SVA member chapter through the various workshops we will host. Additionally, you can meet fellow student veteran campus leaders from across the nation and see what is working at their schools and share what works on yours. Finally, we will also address some of the annual organizational tasks associated with SVA such as national elections for the 2010-2011 school year.

Register today by going to www.svanational2010.eventbrite.com.

SVA also offers a complimentary hotel room [base rate and tax for both nights] to the first 10 SVA chapters registering at least 2 people and which are located further than 100 miles from DC. For more information, contact national.conference@studentveterans.org with a subject heading of "Free Room Offer" if you have any questions.

See SVA’s website Front Page and Press Room for additional information regarding speakers, sessions and sponsors.

SVA Regional Conferences

Regional Conferences support SVA’s overall mission of developing student veteran groups to create a network of resources, ideas and support.

In 2010, the Bob Woodruff Foundation was the head sponsor for all the Regional Conferences around the country. With their support, the Regional Conferences provided SVA members the opportunity to interact with leaders in the professional world, get valuable training in personal development, honing campus resources to better facilitate SVA’s overall mission, and community outreach. Regional Conferences are open to all members of the organization. The Regional Conferences are held annually in each SVA region. Seminars, workshops and networking events are geared toward building leadership or prospective leadership and assistants. Past Regional Conferences included training that focused on fundraising strategies, media preparation, and student veteran advocacy.

Any member chapter in the region holding the conference is eligible to attend as well as leaders from other regions and national directors.

For more information or to find out about hosting or sponsoring a Regional Conference, contact us at regional.conference@studentveterans.org.