VA VITAL PROGRAM: A RESOURCE FOR STUDENT VETERANS


By bblouin
Student Veteran carrying books and participating in the VA VITAL program.

Pursuing higher education is a big decision no matter who is doing it. For Veterans, going to school after serving our nation comes with unique challenges. Thankfully, the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program is an initiative that aims to help Vets overcome these obstacles and succeed in education. While the VA VITAL program is different for everyone, it’s a great way to help lighten the load and improve the mental stress that comes with taking up educational pursuits.

What Is the VA VITAL Program?

The VA VITAL program connects with local colleges, universities, and VA programs to help guide student Veterans through education while putting them on the best personal path available. Everyone has different skills, interests, strengths, and experiences. The Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership helps Vets make sense of what they’ve accomplished so far in relation to education. This includes when Veterans decide to go to school, and if they are pursuing education for the first time. This means rather than leaving high school to enter a university, they are leaving a life of service.

How the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership Program Helps

Anyone entering the life of a college student is going to be met with a change in lifestyle and culture. For those exiting the military, this can be a bit more of a significant change compared to other groups. Transitioning as a Vet means entering a completely new environment in the civilian world while also navigating college life, typically, at an elevated age compared to their peers. The VA VITAL program helps Veterans remain steadfast in their enrollment by providing the resources they need. This includes healthcare resources along with helping Veterans translate their previous experiences and how it will help them as students. While VA VITAL provides resources, such as on-campus clinical counseling, services may vary from campus to campus. Lastly, to learn more about what’s available, you can contact the VA via email at vavital@va.gov.

Student Veterans

Veterans enrolling in education receive many different resources, including help with enrollment, case management, healthcare resources, and counseling through the VA.

Schools and Staff

While the focus of the VA VITAL program is on Veterans, there are many different resources dedicated to the facilities and staff. It’s important that schools are prepared to handle the unique needs of student Veterans. Here’s how the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership VITAL program does just that:

  • To begin, staff receive an education on the cultures that make up the military and Veteran communities.
  • Veterans have unique issues. VA VITAL helps provide staff with the tools they need to understand possible roadblocks that can hinder the education of their students with military experience.
  • Lastly, communication remains open between schools and the VA about ongoing and emerging issues facing student Veterans.

Finding VITAL Program Sites

If you’re a student Veteran looking to better yourself through education, you have plenty of resources. However, the VITAL program should be one of them every step of the way. Conquering education isn’t a journey you have to take alone. In any case, the VA VITAL program is ready to give you a boost. To find a site near you in your state, simply click the link. Related reads:

Sources: VITAL Program, VA. Accessed May 2024. https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/student-veteran/vital-program.asp


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