Blog Post: Veterans...Are You Familiar with Veterans Upward Bound Program?

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending an association meeting wherein a representative from Arizona State University's Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program provided a most-informative briefing.

During the 15-minute overview of the program, I was experiencing a 'flash-back' of the many productive days that I spent at the Upward Bound Program offices at ASU while I was on outreach assignment from the Mesa DES Job Service Office back in the early 1990's. Each week I would spend about 4 hours at ASU assisting veterans who were enrolled in the program - most of whom were recently discharged and transitioning back into the world of academia...but who also were seeking (mostly) parttime employment.  

...but so much for nostalgia.  However, it did dawn on me during yesterday's briefing - what a successful program that it was (is) - and yet until yesterday, I hadn't heard much about in the past few years.  And if I hadn't heard about it ... what about all my fellow veterans who may not be familiar with the opportunities that it provides veterans. 

Soooo...let me give you a quick capsule of the program and encourage you to check out the program online at www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/trio/vub.html or call 480-965-3944 for more information...or jump on the light rail to the ASU campus and check it out personally!

The Veterans Upward Bound Program provides free academic instruction and career guidance that enhances the veteran's ability to succeed in their educational goals beyond high school. The VUB is an educational program designed to meet the needs of veterans who seek to improve their academic skills in English, reading skills, math and computer literacy.  VUB provides free instruction, assists with financial aid and scholarship applications, directs veterans to Veterans Administration services, and helps them connect with the educational institution of their choice. 

How do you get involved / enrolled?...it a simple process...

• Stop by the VUB office on the ASU campus and complete a basic application form (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (bring a copy of your DD Form 214);  
• Meet with VUB staff to evaluate your needs;
• Complete a math / English evaluation; and
• Establish a class schedule compatible with your availability

Note: The program is 'open-entry, open-exit'...you decide when to begin and exit the program upon completion of studies...classes are offered daytime & evening throughout the week

Are you eligible?

• A veteran must have served on active duty for more than 180 consecutive days;
• Federal reservists must have served for more than 30 consecutive days;
• Federal reservists must have been called to active duty on or after September 11, 2001;
• Discharge status be must anything other than dishonorable; and 
• Veterans must qualify as low-income and/or whose parents do not have a four-year college degree  

If you're eligible...what are you waiting for? 

The VUB office is currently located at 1270 E. Broadway Road, Suite 122, Tempe, AZ 85282.