Syracuse University’s dedication to supporting military veterans is deeply woven into its history, stretching back over a century. From welcoming waves of returning World War II service members to pioneering innovative programs for today’s veterans, Syracuse has consistently stood at the forefront of higher education’s commitment to those who have served. A cornerstone of this enduring dedication is the Syracuse University Veterans Career Transition Program, a vital initiative designed to equip veterans with the skills and resources necessary for successful civilian careers.
A Century of Commitment to Veterans’ Education
Syracuse University’s proactive approach to veteran support began in earnest in 1944, recognizing the transformative power of education for returning service members. Chancellor William Pearson Tolley’s “uniform admissions program” was a bold step, guaranteeing admission to Syracuse University for all military personnel after World War II. This commitment materialized dramatically in 1946, when the University welcomed an astounding 9,464 veterans, effectively doubling the student body. The campus rapidly adapted, with hundreds of Quonset huts, barracks, and trailers erected to house the influx of veteran students eager to pursue their education.
By 1947, Syracuse University proudly held the top rank in New York State and 17th nationally for veteran enrollment. University College expanded its evening and adult education programs to accommodate veterans who needed flexible learning options, demonstrating an early understanding of the diverse needs of the veteran population. This era also saw the establishment of specialized programs like the Defense Comptrollership Program (DCP) in 1952 within the Whitman School of Management. Born from the financial challenges identified during WWII, the DCP has since trained over 1,600 military and civilian personnel, many of whom have reached the highest levels of financial management within the Department of Defense. Further expanding its reach, Syracuse University opened national campuses in locations like Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, NY, starting in 1953, to directly support the educational goals of active duty Air Force personnel.
Expanding Programs to Meet Evolving Needs
Syracuse University’s commitment to veterans continued to evolve through the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st, adapting to the changing needs of the military community. The Military Photojournalism Program (MPJ), launched in 1963 at the Newhouse School of Public Communications, provided specialized training to active duty personnel in visual storytelling. Initially for the Navy and now sponsored by the Department of Defense for all branches, MPJ underscores Syracuse’s ability to provide highly specialized, career-relevant education to service members. This was further complemented by the Military Motion Media Program (MMM) established at Newhouse in 1992, focusing on motion media skills for mass communications specialists. The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs launched the National Security Studies (NSS) program in 1996, a prestigious professional development program for senior leaders in both public and private sectors, further demonstrating Syracuse’s capacity to serve veterans at all career stages.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by post-9/11 veterans, Syracuse University has pioneered entrepreneurship programs. The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV), founded in 2007 by the Whitman School, offers cutting-edge training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans with service-related disabilities. The EBV has expanded into a national consortium of universities, with Syracuse University as the national host, having graduated over 1,000 veterans. This entrepreneurial focus broadened to include military families with the launch of EBV-Families and V-WISE programs in 2010, supporting caregivers and female veterans in their business aspirations.
The Veterans Career Transition Program: Bridging Military Skills to Civilian Success
In 2011, Syracuse University launched the Veterans Career Transition Program (VCTP), now known as Onward to Opportunity (O2O), in partnership with JPMorgan Chase & Co. This non-credit program, offered free to post-9/11 veterans through the School of Information Studies (iSchool), directly addresses the critical need for career transition support. The Syracuse University Veterans Career Transition Program focuses on providing in-demand skills training for veterans seeking careers in technology and operations within large corporations. This program is a testament to Syracuse University’s commitment to not only honoring veterans’ service but also actively investing in their future success by providing tangible pathways to meaningful civilian employment. Syracuse University’s Veterans Career Transition Program stands as a pivotal resource for veterans seeking to translate their military experience into valuable civilian skills and launch successful post-military careers.
IVMF: A Central Hub for Veteran and Military Families
The launch of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) in 2012 further solidified Syracuse University’s leadership in the veteran support space. With JPMorgan Chase & Co. as a founding partner, the IVMF serves as a central hub, addressing the broad range of social, economic, educational, and policy issues impacting the 25 million U.S. veterans and their families. The IVMF’s partnership with Google, Hire Heroes USA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative led to the creation of VetNet in 2012, a comprehensive online career resource offering veterans tailored pathways for career advancement leveraging Google technology. Through the IVMF and programs like the Veterans Career Transition Program, Syracuse University provides a comprehensive ecosystem of support, ensuring veterans and their families have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive long after their military service concludes.
Syracuse University’s century-long commitment to veterans is a powerful narrative of adaptation, innovation, and unwavering support. From its pioneering post-WWII initiatives to the modern-day Syracuse University Veterans Career Transition Program and the comprehensive resources of the IVMF, Syracuse University continues to honor and empower those who have served, ensuring their skills and experiences are valued and contribute to continued success in their civilian lives.
