St. Joseph’s University, New York has been awarded more than $559,000 by the U.S. Department of Education’s Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success Grant Program.
With the grant funding, St. Joseph’s will increase student veterans’ recruitment and ensure their academic success by coordinating services to address their financial, health and wellness, academic, career and social needs.
“We pride ourselves on the exceptional services we offer to all of our students, especially our student veterans who have given so much of themselves before they arrive at St. Joseph’s,” St. Joseph’s President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D. said. “We are grateful to receive this funding that will allow us to continue the work we do with our student veterans and expand our services to even more students in the years to come.”
Over the next three academic years, the Office of Military and Veteran Services at St. Joseph’s will utilize the funding to grow the University’s existing Peer Health Educator Program, designating six veteran-specific peer health educators trained in meeting the needs of the student veteran population. In addition, the grant will assist in expanding career preparation and support for veterans, increase participation in Student Veterans’ of America (SVA), provide graduate student completion grants and internship stipends; and launch a program specifically for female student veterans.
“Our military and veteran students bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and diversity to our campuses,” said Erin D’Eletto, St. Joseph’s director of military and veteran services. “This funding will not only allow us to continue providing substantial services to our student veterans, but also add programs and services to further support their personal, academic and professional success.”
A proud participant in the Post-9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program, St. Joseph’s is continually recognized as a Military Friendly School and has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report and Military Times for its commitment to America’s veterans and active military. For more information, please visit sjny.edu/military.
