Military veterans have more life experience and maturity than the average traditional-aged college student. But some say they could benefit from extra guidance as they make the transition to a residential college environment often designed for 18-year-olds.
Several start-ups are stepping in to help the large numbers of veterans attempt to adjust to campus life. One, a nonprofitdubbed the Warrior-Scholar Project, is an academic boot camp aimed at veterans who plan on attending or transferring to a 4-year college. A group of about 10 foundations and private donors pays for the project.
The up to two-week program is immersive and demanding, say both its organizers and participants. A veteran runs the sessions, which are taught by university professors and graduate students. The curriculum is designed to help participants prepare to tackle the reading lists of rigorous college courses.
The Warrior-Scholar Project is also about the social side of college, said David Howell, the group’s director of studies. He said the goal is to give veterans confidence that they have the "tools and skills" to succeed as students.
"The transition from the military to college is quite difficult," Howell said. "There’s a distinct cultural difference."
Read more at Inside Higher Ed: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/02/04/warrior-scholar-project-helps-military-veterans-succeed-residential-colleges