Outreach to Veterans

NAICU Communications Tip Sheet:

Through the Yellow Ribbon program and individual campus student aid initiatives, private colleges and universities have redoubled their efforts to make higher education affordable for veterans. The following idea starters are for private institutions that are looking for ways to expand their outreach to military veterans.

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Outreach to Local Military Units and Bases
Outreach to Veterans Administration Centers
Word of Mouth
Campus Events
Social Networking Sites
Online Advertising
Other Resources
Feedback

Outreach to Local Military Units and Bases

■ National Guard Units

Prepare materials for distribution at local National Guard units. Ask to speak at monthly training sessions. Each state's National Guard office has education services personnel, who may be able to provide contact information and tips for reaching out to local units.  

■ Military Bases and Installations

Develop a relationship with nearby bases. Contact education services personnel at local military installations about scheduling speaking opportunities and distributing literature to soldiers about to leave the service.  Base newsletters or newspapers might provide story placement or advertising opportunities.

Outreach to Veterans Administration Centers

The Veterans Administration's network of local, state, and regional centers and offices can be confusing to those not familiar with it.  However, taking time to contact them and getting to know the right people may be the most effective means of reaching vets.

■ Regional Education Liaison Representatives

The VA has a network of regional education liaison representatives, who work with colleges and state agencies. Contact them for lists of recently separated service members who have applied for VA healthcare and benefits

■ VA Regional Offices

You may also be able to obtain lists of recently separated service members from your state's regional VA office.  Go to your state's online VA listing and find the link to the regional office.

■ Community-based Vet Centers

There are 232 community-based vet centers across the nation, which provide counseling and outreach services to veterans.  Develop relationships with local centers, and explore ways to share information with the vets they serve.

Word of Mouth

The military community is especially tight-knit, and word of mouth will have a significant impact on your institution's reputation as veteran-friendly.  Because the world of higher education may seem foreign to many veterans, it is important that they find the admissions and financial aid processes at your institution as hassle-free and easy-to-understand as possible.  Their experience will shape the perceptions of many others in the military community. 

Veterans speak highly of campus channels that have been tailored to their needs.  This includes having an informed and responsive single point-of-contact for veterans, and an easily found veteran-specific Web page on your site. 

Campus Events

Host events that bring local veterans to campus and introduce them to your institution.  Hold an admissions open house for vets that highlights financial aid opportunities, academic options, and support services.  Make sure to have current students, alumni, or professors with recent military experience on hand to answer questions.  Additionally, you might also decide to bring in speakers or organize panels on military issues that appeal to local service members and vets, and raise your institution's profile among them. 

Social Networking Sites

Search FaceBook and other social networking sites for veterans' affinity groups in your state or region with whom you can engage, sharing information and answering questions about your program. 

Online Advertising

Military.com is a popular site among active service members and veterans, and an option for national outreach programs.

Other Resources

Campuses may find the following Web sites, organizations, and news articles useful for details on the Yellow Ribbon program, information on veterans, and trends in military education.

■ Yellow Ribbon Program Information

VA's Yellow Ribbon Program Site
VA's Preliminary List of Participating Institutions
NAICU's Yellow Ribbon Site
NAICU's Unofficial List of Participating Private Colleges
ACE's Serving Those Who Serve: Higher Education and America's Veterans

■ National Veterans Service Organizations

Student Veterans of America
Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans of America
Fund for Veterans' Education
Veterans of Foreign Wars
American Legion

■ News Coverage

Coverage of the Yellow Ribbon program and other military education issues.

NAICU's News Archive

■ Military Reporters

These journalists are among those who have reported recently on the Yellow Program program for military trade and national media outlets.

Ted McKenna, Military Advanced Education
Rick Maze, Military Times
Jim Michaels, USA Today
Tom Pilpott, "Military Update" (Syndicated Column)

Feedback

Do you have advice or ideas on veterans outreach to share with others? Please let us know! Contact Tony Pals at tony@naicu.edu or (202) 739-0474.

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NAICU expresses its gratitude to the Student Veterans of America for its guidance and advice in the preparation of this tip sheet.