All American Veterans Center Initiative

Why did we do this?• We owe it to our Student Veterans

– They served us, now lets serve them to the best of our ability.– Let’s connect them to a strong network of support services, both

within the school and outside (through VA, etc..).– We must take care of them from the minute they walk in until after we

set them up for success when they graduate.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM57SmHGVvE

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdWq2PLF6Bs&feature=youtu.be

What needs to be done

• #1 Certify education benefits• Counsel/advise students on VA Education benefits• Build relationships with faculty/staff on “VA issues”• VA work study program• Seek student advice on what they need/want• Participate in community veteran themed meetings• Certifying official / coordinator• Connect local Veteran support to center (DAV, Legion, VFW)• Outreach to community at job fairs/local businesses• Fill in the gaps (resume writing, cover letter help, etc)• Other- many veterans need more

All American Veterans Center

POW/MIA display

Services provided inside center• New student orientation briefings• Student computer/intro to blackboard course• Certification of education benefits • Counseling referrals-VA, Vet Center, Alliance Health, Give-an-hour, Google• Veteran tutoring (on our turf)• Peer counseling/SVA coordination/Fundraising• Community service outreach (potential new students)• Resume writing/dress for the interview/cvr ltr/NC works/”Mock” interview• Job placement assistance (veteran specific)• Networking devices in place/Jobs listing-full disclosure of services available• SBC assistance for those wanting to start a business• Computer lab, multiple study areas (group or individual)• Coffee/tea/hot chocolate/popcorn/cable tv• Other-writing can help, patriot outreach

Local items to consider• Success factors “1%”• SVA/Home Depot $10K grant• VA for VETs recruiter on board• VA HR director on board• VA center in Fayetteville on board• VFW on board• Paraglide on board• Army National Guard ESO/Employment counselor on board• Hero Mirror

Outside pre-coordination still in work

• VA VSOC (Veteran Success on Campus) counselor• Scholarship/charity specific to veterans students• Green Zone training• Veteran specific ACA class• Veterans Centers for all schools• Veteran legacy project

“Home of the All American Veterans Center”

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10202842147799402&set=vb.1372724079&type=2&theater