In my previous article, I presented the idea that VA work-study needs to play a larger role in the education of today's student veteran. For a number of reasons, student veterans aren't afforded the same opportunities throughout their education as their "traditional" peers. This should not be the case, and VA work-study legislation needs to change by affording veterans authentic work and learning on-campus.

These work-study opportunities would "level the playing field" and address some of the largest barriers student veterans face within higher education today. I use the T.E.A.C.H. acronym to not only highlight the benefits of implementing these positions to support student veterans, but as a call to action for staff and faculty to play a more active role in the lives of this important student population.

T - Transition
The transition from the military into higher education and then into a civilian workplace can be a drastic cultural change depending on one's branch of service and military occupational specialty (MOS), among other factors. Offering work-study employment to student veterans allows for a better understanding of the cultural norms in the civilian employment environment. Those who may struggle during this difficult transition are afforded the opportunity to self-identify differences in a low-threat, part-time work environment. When applying for full-time employment after degree completion, the work-study experience will allow the veteran to speak knowledgeably about their professional growth and journey into their chosen profession.

E - Economic Support
The GI Bill® only provides funding while a student is enrolled during the academic term. This leaves holiday and summer breaks unfunded even though the need for housing, food, etc. remains. This need for financial support is further demonstrated by 75 percent of student veterans working whilst enrolled in school. The additional money earned through a work-study position allows for financial stability throughout these academic breaks.

A - Application of Skills and Learning
A valuable work-study experience should provide the opportunity to apply a student's skills and knowledge (from military service as well as in the classroom) into real-world work, projects, and research. With many veterans having additional obligations outside the classroom, these positions should be well-funded and provide experiences that will compete with other jobs off campus.

C - Connection
More often than not student veterans bring additional responsibilities (dependents, other financial needs, etc.) that prohibit full integration into campus life. On-campus work-study positions provide student veterans access to programs, peers of similar age/interests, and resources they otherwise may not be afforded. Through work-study they will be making connections and growing their personal and professional network. Moreover, there is clear evidence showing the correlation between on-campus involvement and academic success. If we can keep student veterans in work-study positions where they can work inside the university, we should see improved outcomes.

H - Health (Mental, Emotional, and Physical)
A work-study job that builds off individual strengths, experiences, and interests will provide student veterans a sense of purpose and a new mission beyond academic success. It is well documented that a keystone to a successful military-to-civilian transition is rooted in returning to a society that values your contributions.

Although the above areas have identified how VA work-study will directly support student veterans, they will not be the sole beneficiaries of this program. Higher education institutions, as well as the Department of Defense, will also benefit in the following ways:

Identification of Diverse Military Experience
The more time student veterans spend on campus, the more integrated and involved they will become. No-doubt this will result in talented veterans pursuing careers within higher education, thus making our college campuses more "veteran-friendly" and diverse.

Identification of Students to Join the DoD
Another indirect result of increasing the presence of veterans on college campuses will be the improved recruitment of talented students into the Department of Defense (DoD). Seeing veterans find success in higher education will demonstrate the positive impact military service can have on young people. For an all-volunteer force, the ability to shine a positive light on post-service opportunities will help the U.S. military succeed in its goal of recruiting the best and brightest into its ranks.

Improving VA work-study provides the opportunity to support student veterans "to, through, and beyond" their time in higher education. In achieving that goal, our institutions and our nation, as a whole, will reap the benefits as well.

Article Topics

Job Search Advice Military Friendly Institutions Research on Student Veterans Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success Women Veterans Working as a Veteran in HigherEd Workplace Inclusion

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