AMVETS SECURES FUNDING FOR STUDENT-VETS’ CENTERS
Department of Education budget contains $6 million for “centers of excellence” pilot program at colleges and universities nationwide

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2009—Late last week AMVETS received confirmation from Congressional staffers that the FY2010 budget for the Department of Education (DOE) will include funding for federal grants to colleges and universities to establish student-veterans' "centers of excellence." Over the weekend, Congress approved the DOE budget as part of the omnibus budget with AMVETS’ student-veterans’ centers pilot program funding intact.

AMVETS National Legislative Director Ray Kelley worked with leaders in the House to include $8 million in funding for student-veterans' centers in their version of the bill, but the provision was absent in the original Senate bill. In conference, both chambers compromised to include $6 million in funding for a pilot program.

“Student-veterans on college campuses across this country are often an underserved group within the student body,” said Kelley. “Veterans are often older when they come to campus and must make a quick transition, leaving such traditional transitional tools, like orientation, unavailable. Given the unique circumstances, student-veterans often have different needs than their civilian counterparts. These centers will provide a critical one-stop shop for student-veterans, offering all the necessary tools to succeed in academic life.”

Two summers ago, AMVETS worked with Congress to include a provision in the Higher Education Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008 commissioning federal grants for veterans’ centers, but funding remains a question throughout the budget process. With its inclusion in the conference bill and passage of the omnibus package, AMVETS anticipates that President Barack Obama will sign the budget this week, clearing the way for the pilot program.

Federal funding for student-veterans' "centers of excellence" has been a top priority for AMVETS since the passage of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill in 2008. While AMVETS viewed the new G.I. Bill as an integral tool in ensuring student-veterans had an opportunity to go to college, AMVETS believed that student-veterans' centers would ensure classroom success.

AMVETS continues to work with Cleveland State University Professor John Schupp, founder of the Supportive Education for the Returning Veteran (SERV) program as a model for campuses to meet the needs of their student-veterans. AMVETS and Schupp were the visionaries behind the original legislation to commission grants in an effort to ensure college campuses were prepared for the influx of veterans seeking to use their education entitlements.

Once DOE clarifies the grant process, AMVETS will work to ensure campuses have the tools necessary to receive federal grants and establish quality student-veterans' centers.

About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.