Brown University is set to expand its financial support and mentorship programs for student veterans, aiming to remove barriers to graduate education. The university’s increased participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program will provide an unlimited match for tuition and fees for eligible graduate student veterans.
President Christina Paxson introduced the new mentorship program at the annual Veterans Day ceremony, emphasizing Brown’s commitment to supporting student veterans. Mac Manning, the program director of the Office of Military-Affiliated Students, highlighted the significance of the Yellow Ribbon Program as an extension of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, private schools can bridge the gap in tuition costs for eligible student veterans by matching funds provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Brown currently covers 100% of eligible undergraduate student veterans’ tuition and fees through this program and plans to extend the same support to master’s and doctoral students.
The university’s decision to expand the program comes at a time of financial challenges, with the aim of ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder veterans from pursuing higher education at Brown. The support also includes a donation from the Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation to enhance the peer-mentorship program for student veterans.
The Cisneros Veterans Scholars Program will offer one-on-one peer mentoring and community-building opportunities to student veterans, providing them with essential resources for a successful academic journey. The program aims to create a supportive environment for student veterans, addressing their unique needs and helping them navigate the transition to university life.
Brown’s initiatives have been well-received by the student veteran community, with positive feedback on how the university has facilitated a smooth transition from military service to academic life. The university’s efforts to attract and support veteran applicants have been recognized, with an increase in the number of student veterans enrolled at Brown.
Service to School, an organization assisting veterans in higher education, commended Brown’s commitment to supporting student veterans through initiatives like the VetLink Program. This partnership has not only provided mentoring and networking opportunities but has also contributed to Brown’s reputation as a welcoming and supportive environment for student veterans.
As more veterans choose Brown for their academic pursuits, the university’s reputation as a veteran-friendly institution continues to grow, attracting applicants who appreciate the support and resources available to them. Brown’s dedication to enhancing the student veteran experience reflects a broader commitment to diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence.
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