Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) are introducing bipartisan legislation to assist student veterans in their transition from military to academic life.
Specifically, the Veteran Education Empowerment Act reauthorizes the Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success grant program, which helps colleges and universities establish Student Veteran Success Centers.
As the name suggests, these programs are designed to help veterans attending college with academic, career, and mental health counseling, as well as disability assistance and other needs.
Since its establishment, the Department of Education has awarded $50 million to over 100 universities to support the creation and maintenance of Student Veteran Success Centers, with eight Florida schools receiving $4 million.
"I have personally visited many schools that offer Student Veteran Centers and spoken with the Veterans who utilize them," Rep. Bilirakis said in a statement. "The Veterans confirm that the enhanced services and specialized resources provided through the centers are invaluable as they seek to successfully reintegrate into civilian society," he added, calling on lawmakers to join the effort.
Rep. Frankel echoed his remarks, stating, "As the mother of a U.S. Marine War Veteran, I know how demanding the transition from military to civilian life can be." "Our Veterans are patriots who have served our country," she continued, adding that "they deserve every tool to succeed in their next chapter. Student Veteran Success Centers provide the academic support, mentorship, and community that help them thrive."Gus Bilirakis, Lois Frankel Want Academic Success for Veteran Students
In May, Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) introduced the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act, which strengthens oversight of the program and requires the VA to report on the employment numbers and annual wages of VR&E participants, in addition to the average wait times they are subject to between their initial application and first meeting with a counselor, to combat multi-month wait times.
