The NC STRIVE (Student Transition Resource Initiative for Veteran’s Education) program was established in 2015 to enhance the transition of veterans from military service to academic life. Initially, the program hosted statewide conferences, bringing together two-year and four-year public and private schools, federal and state agencies, and advocates. The goal was to increase awareness and knowledge about the issues affecting veterans and their families as they transitioned from military to academic settings.
In 2017, based on feedback from participants, NC STRIVE adapted its format to regional conferences. This change made the conferences more accessible to a wider audience by reducing travel time and costs. The regional approach allowed for a more tailored experience, addressing specific regional needs and fostering stronger local connections.
In 2020, NC STRIVE held a virtual conference to continue supporting veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference included a series of webinars and online workshops, which allowed participants to engage from the safety of their homes. In 2021 and 2022, the conferences continued virtually, focusing on key topics such as mental health, career development, and educational resources for veterans.
Accomplishments
Since its inception, NC STRIVE has significantly impacted the educational community, with a growing number of participants each year. From a single conference with 200 participants in 2015 to multiple regional conferences serving over 500 participants by 2019, NC STRIVE has successfully educated higher education professionals on supporting student veterans. This initiative has included representation from numerous community colleges, the UNC System, and NC Independent Colleges and Universities, ensuring that institutions with the highest veteran populations were engaged.
Previous participants have included a diverse range of institutions and organizations dedicated to supporting veterans. These participants have played a crucial role in expanding the reach and effectiveness of the NC STRIVE program.
Since its inception, NC STRIVE has significantly impacted the educational community, with a growing number of participants each year. From a single conference with 200 participants in 2015 to multiple regional conferences serving over 500 participants by 2019, NC STRIVE has successfully educated higher education professionals on supporting student veterans. This initiative has included representation from numerous community colleges, the UNC System, and NC Independent Colleges and Universities, ensuring that institutions with the highest veteran populations were engaged.
Previous participants have included a diverse range of institutions and organizations dedicated to supporting veterans. These participants have played a crucial role in expanding the reach and effectiveness of the NC STRIVE program.
Path Forward
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NC STRIVE adapted by offering virtual events, which laid the groundwork for a more extensive online presence. Moving forward, NC STRIVE aims to expand its reach by engaging a larger audience through digital platforms. The introduction of the new podcast series, “Understanding the Military Student,” available on Apple Podcasts, marks a significant step in this direction. The podcast will create conversations about the transition from military service to education, providing valuable insights and resources for veterans and their families.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NC STRIVE adapted by offering virtual events, which laid the groundwork for a more extensive online presence. Moving forward, NC STRIVE aims to expand its reach by engaging a larger audience through digital platforms. The introduction of the new podcast series, “Understanding the Military Student,” available on Apple Podcasts, marks a significant step in this direction. The podcast will create conversations about the transition from military service to education, providing valuable insights and resources for veterans and their families.
Resources
NC STRIVE is committed to providing comprehensive support and resources for veterans. The program offers a wealth of information on educational benefits, mental health services, and community support networks. Resources include guides on accessing GI Bill benefits, navigating campus services, and connecting with veteran support groups. By moving to an online format, NC STRIVE aims to reach a broader audience, ensuring more veterans can access the necessary resources.
Maximizing VA Education Benefits: A Multi-faceted Approach to Funding Education
Self-care and Well-being – Many of us are experiencing new challenges during the pandemic. The VA has recognized this and has developed self-care resources, including a series on developing well-being. Scroll down to see a COVID Coach App; relaxation and mindfulness practices; videos for spiritual health; and more.
VA Education and Training Benefits – VA education benefits help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. Learn how to apply for and manage the education and training benefits you’ve earned.
GI Bill® Comparison Tool – Learn about and compare your GI Bill benefits at approved schools and employers.
NC STRIVE is committed to providing comprehensive support and resources for veterans. The program offers a wealth of information on educational benefits, mental health services, and community support networks. Resources include guides on accessing GI Bill benefits, navigating campus services, and connecting with veteran support groups. By moving to an online format, NC STRIVE aims to reach a broader audience, ensuring more veterans can access the necessary resources.
Maximizing VA Education Benefits: A Multi-faceted Approach to Funding Education
Self-care and Well-being – Many of us are experiencing new challenges during the pandemic. The VA has recognized this and has developed self-care resources, including a series on developing well-being. Scroll down to see a COVID Coach App; relaxation and mindfulness practices; videos for spiritual health; and more.
VA Education and Training Benefits – VA education benefits help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. Learn how to apply for and manage the education and training benefits you’ve earned.
GI Bill® Comparison Tool – Learn about and compare your GI Bill benefits at approved schools and employers.
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Community Colleges
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UNC System
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N.C. Independent Colleges & Universities
Community Colleges
Alamance Community College, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Beaufort County Community College, Bladen Community College, Blue Ridge Community College, Brunswick Community College, Caldwell Technical Institute, Cape Fear Community College, Carteret Community College, Catawba Valley Community College, Central Carolina Community College, Central Piedmont Community College, Cleveland Community College, Coastal Carolina Community College, College of The Albermarle, Craven Community College, Davidson-Davie Community College, Durham Technical Community College, Edgecombe Community College, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Forsyth Technical Community College, Gaston College, Guilford Technical Community College, Halifax Community College, Haywood Community College, Isothermal Community College, James Sprunt Community College, Johnston Community College, Lenoir Community College, Martin Community College, Mayland Community College, McDowell Technical Community College, Mitchell Community College, Montgomery Community College, Nash Community College, Pamlico Community College, Piedmont Community College, Pitt Community College, Randolph Community College, Richmond Community College, Roanoke-Chowan Community College, Robeson Community College, Rockingham Community College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Sampson Community College, Sandhills Community College, South Piedmont Community College, Southeastern Community College, Southwestern Community College, Stanly Community College, Surry Community College, Tri-County Community College, Vance-Granville Community College, Wake Technical Community College, Wayne Community College, Western Piedmont Community College, Wilkes Community College, Wilson Community College
UNC System
Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina A & T University, NC Central University, NC State University, UNC Asheville, UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro, UNC Pembroke, UNC Wilmington, Western Carolina University, Winston Salem State University
N.C. Independent Colleges & Universities
Campbell University, Chowan University, Duke University, Elon University, Guilford College, High Point University, Meredith College, Methodist University, NC Wesleyan College, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, Wingate University
Alamance Community College, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Beaufort County Community College, Bladen Community College, Blue Ridge Community College, Brunswick Community College, Caldwell Technical Institute, Cape Fear Community College, Carteret Community College, Catawba Valley Community College, Central Carolina Community College, Central Piedmont Community College, Cleveland Community College, Coastal Carolina Community College, College of The Albermarle, Craven Community College, Davidson-Davie Community College, Durham Technical Community College, Edgecombe Community College, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Forsyth Technical Community College, Gaston College, Guilford Technical Community College, Halifax Community College, Haywood Community College, Isothermal Community College, James Sprunt Community College, Johnston Community College, Lenoir Community College, Martin Community College, Mayland Community College, McDowell Technical Community College, Mitchell Community College, Montgomery Community College, Nash Community College, Pamlico Community College, Piedmont Community College, Pitt Community College, Randolph Community College, Richmond Community College, Roanoke-Chowan Community College, Robeson Community College, Rockingham Community College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Sampson Community College, Sandhills Community College, South Piedmont Community College, Southeastern Community College, Southwestern Community College, Stanly Community College, Surry Community College, Tri-County Community College, Vance-Granville Community College, Wake Technical Community College, Wayne Community College, Western Piedmont Community College, Wilkes Community College, Wilson Community College
UNC System
Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina A & T University, NC Central University, NC State University, UNC Asheville, UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro, UNC Pembroke, UNC Wilmington, Western Carolina University, Winston Salem State University
N.C. Independent Colleges & Universities
Campbell University, Chowan University, Duke University, Elon University, Guilford College, High Point University, Meredith College, Methodist University, NC Wesleyan College, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, Wingate University