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A new AmeriCorps program aimed at supporting the veteran population both at East Tennessee State University and in a surrounding seven-county area is in the works.  

That’s thanks to a nearly $75,000 grant from Volunteer Tennessee, the governor’s commission on volunteerism and service in Tennessee.   

“Having AmeriCorps on the campus of ETSU is a natural fit,” said Dr. Susan D. McCracken, vice provost for Community Engagement, whose office completed considerable behind-the-scenes work to secure the grant for the university. “It is a tremendous opportunity for enrolled students as well as recent alumni to explore careers in public service and make direct impacts on the lives of others.”   

The Office of Military and Veteran Services will lead the charge in developing the program.  

According to Director Dan Bishop, the program will ultimately have three key features:  

– Advise and mentor veterans and other military-affiliated students with a goal of improving their academic performance and increasing retention and graduation rates. 
– Develop a transition assistance program refresher course that assists veterans and their families who have recently left the military. The aim is to help these veterans gain access to federal, state and community benefits and services. 
– Assist in improving connectivity between the many veteran service organizations and the veteran community. 
“This AmeriCorps Planning Grant is perfectly aligned with the ETSU mission to improve the quality of life in the region and beyond,” said Bishop.  

The university has a long and established history of helping veterans.  

Just a few months ago, ETSU earned the prestigious Military Friendly® School designation for the 14th consecutive year. It’s a tremendous honor that colleges and universities earn through public data analysis, as well as responses from surveys.    

ETSU provides priority registration for classes each semester, exclusive access to social and study space at ETSU’s Military-Affiliated Student Resource Center, membership in the ETSU chapter of the Student Veterans of America and consistent personalized support from Military and Veteran Services.    

Out-of-state tuition waivers, scholarships and work-study positions for those using the GI Bill® benefits are all financial-related options.