Grand Valley State University’s Veterans Network is adding another layer to its program offering academic support to low-income veterans.
Grand Valley State University is a Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency gold-level military friendly institution. Its commitment to military servicemen and women seeking degrees will now expand reaching low-income, first-generation veterans. Through the U.S. Department of Education GVSU is receiving a 5-year, $1.3 million grant establishing what’s called a Trio Veterans upward Bound Program.
The program and its dollars will support 125 low-income veterans from Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan counties.
Grand Valley State University says, “The college access and degree completion services tailored to veterans will include advising and mentoring programs, instructor-led computer courses, course materials and supplies.”
Jesse Bernal, vice president for Inclusion and Equity, explains “the reach of this program is significant in West Michigan, which has more than 65,000 veterans in the four-county region. Of that population, 8 percent are unemployed, 2,000 are homeless, and 77 percent do not have a bachelor's degree.”
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga and U.S. Sen. Gary Peters are also committing their support to the Veterans Upward Bound Program.
Patrick Center, WGVU News.