Supporting Education for Returning Veterans (SERV) Program

Purpose

The Supporting Education for Returning Veterans (SERV) program is designed to help veterans returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, (Operation Enduring Freedom [OEF], Operation Iraqi Freedom [OIF]) and interested in obtaining a college degree majoring in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).

TMCF will award sub-grants to three (3) specified member-schools to provide outreach, access information and subsequent support to facilitate completion of a post-secondary degree in a STEM field.

Access

A recently enacted GI Bill (formally known as the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2009) provides post-secondary education tuition and fees (http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Post-911.html). TMCF’s Talent Acquisition/Campus Relations team will host on-campus information sessions for veterans seeking financial assistance to return to school.

¹ The bill provides full tuition benefits at the public HBCUs within the TMCF member-school network.

SUPPORT

The Veterans Health Administration (VA) holds a successful track record of providing supported education (SE) services to veterans with mental health and adjustment concerns. SE services apply a multi-component strategy to assist student veterans with mental disabilities, transitioning from combat to a public university, in succeeding in college.  These services are designed to improve educational competencies (literacy, study skills, time management), help students navigate the educational environment (e.g., applications, financial assistance), and increase motivation and confidence.

PROGRAM PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

TMCF’s Supporting Education for Returning Veterans (SERV) program will leverage its partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD) in developing the next generation of STEM professionals by supporting veterans who are majoring in STEM fields. Three (3) awards in the amount of $18,600 each will be granted for proposals aligned with TMCF’s SERV initiative as described above and that meet the criteria outlined below.

Awards will be presented based on the strength(s) of the following (as determined by the selection committee) and will solely support the implementation of plans described in the original proposal submitted to TMCF.

Proposals are to include specific plans for the following:

• The capacity of an institution to increase the recruitment, retention, engagement, performance and degree completion of returning Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND) veterans
• Creation of an improved veteran-friendly campus
• Enhancing knowledge, understanding and skills of administration, faculty and staff in regard to OEF/OIF/OND veterans
• Increasing resources available to veterans (to include college, peers, TMCF and VA)

Proposals must be submitted by March 1, 2012.

Direct Questions to:

Crystal D. Hadnott
Senior Program Manager
Phone: (713) 574-4922
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it