VA Reaching Out to Veterans on Campus Through VetSuccess

VA Reaching Out to Veterans on Campus Through VetSuccess


New Agreements Recently Reached to Ease Transition


from Active-Duty Military


WASHINGTON (March 11, 2011)- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is
making a concerted effort this Spring to reach out to student Veterans
at eight VetSuccess on Campus sites to make them aware that VA
counselors are standing by to help ease their transition from
active-duty military to college life.

"Veteran-students transitioning from active duty service to civilian
educational pursuits face unique challenges entering the college
setting," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "The
VetSuccess on Campus program continues this Administration's commitment
and responsibility to meet the needs of Veterans and their families
through effective peer-to-peer counseling and other services."

Under the VetSuccess on Campus program, a full-time, experienced
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and a part-time Vet Center Outreach
Coordinator are assigned at each campus to provide VA benefits outreach,
support, and assistance to ensure their health, educational, and benefit
needs are met.

To make Veteran-students aware of the VetSuccess on Campus program at
each of the eight sites, VA will conduct outreach activities through
direct emails, posters, social media posts, articles in campus
newspapers, campus website links, and outreach events at the student
commons.

The VetSuccess on Campus program began in June 2009 as a pilot project
at the University of South Florida. In September 2009, the program was
expanded to two additional universities, Cleveland State University and
San Diego State University.

A fourth pilot was started at the Community College of Rhode Island in
December 2010. Agreements have recently been reached between VA and
Arizona State University, Texas A&M Central Texas, Rhode Island College,
and Salt Lake Community College.

"The President's 2012 budget submission requests funding to support
expansion of the program beyond the eight existing sites to nine more
campuses," said Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Director Ruth
Fanning. "This continued expansion will help to ensure the coordinated
delivery of VA benefits and services to those who honorably served this
Nation."

Under the VetSuccess on Campus program, vocational testing, career and
academic counseling, and adjustment counseling are provided to work to
resolve challenges interfering with completion of education programs and
entrance into employment.

The Vet Center Outreach Coordinator provides peer-to-peer counseling and
referral services. Both the counselor and coordinator may refer
Veterans for more intensive health services, including mental health
treatment through VHA Medical Centers, Community-Based Outpatient
Clinics, or Vet Centers, as well as provide additional information on VA
benefits and services.

For more information on VA's Vocational Rehabilitation Program and
VetSuccess, go to http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm or
www.vetsuccess.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.