Application cycle open for MVAA's Veteran-Friendly Schools program

LANSING, Mich.  –  The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) is accepting applications for its Veteran-Friendly Schools (VFS) initiative for the 2025-2026 academic year. The application cycle will be open Thursday, May 1 through Thursday, Aug. 28.

The VFS program recognizes academic institutions committed to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students. These institutions are awarded Gold-, Silver-, and Bronze-level status based on their veteran-centric services and programs. Any academic institution or training facility in Michigan eligible to receive veteran education benefits can apply for the program.

"Those who participate in the Veteran-Friendly Schools program make a commitment to honor and support our military-connected learners," says MVAA Education Analyst Joe Saur. "By achieving this certification and attracting, retaining and supporting to those who have served our country bravely, Michigan's academic intuitions create a vital and inclusive environment where every veteran feels valued and empowered to succeed."

Universities, colleges or trade schools interested in becoming a VFS must meet the criteria below:

1. Established process for identification of current student veterans
2. Veteran-specific website
3. Active student veteran organization or club
4. Veteran-specific career services, resources, advising, and/or outcome monitoring
5. On-campus veterans’ coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact
6. System to evaluate and award academic credit based on prior military training and experience
7. Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress, and graduation rates

VFS levels:

• Gold level: Complete six or more of the above
• Silver level: Complete four of the above
• Bronze Level: Complete three of the above
  
  Any academic institution or training facility in Michigan eligible to receive veteran education benefits can apply for the program. Any academic institution interested in becoming certified as a one of Michigan's Veteran-Friendly School should contact Joe Saur at Saurj@michigan.gov. Learn more about the program on the MVAA’s VFS dashboard.