Veteran Connect

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Pure Michigan - Michigan Economic Development Corporation facebook blog
Job Connect Newsletter

November 21, 2013

 

In this issue...


Wishing Everyone a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

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Cisco IT Career Training Program for Veterans

cisco cert

The State of Michigan Workforce Development Agency is pleased to be partnered with Cisco, New Horizons, Futures, Inc., Pearson Vue, Davenport University, Capella University and others to offer Cisco Network Training to our veterans here in Michigan.

Veterans are encouraged to create profiles on the USITPipeline and Michigan Talent Connect systems so that we can connect them to the appropriate partners/programs/resources to help them pursue careers in IT.

"This first cohort is focusing on Cisco Certified Network Associate training and certification," said Christopher Knapp, Information Technology and Media Talent Director. "However, the USITPipeline system maps to a total of 12 career pathways related to IT. There is always a wide range of IT jobs being posted on Michigan Talent Connect and we want people to take full advantage of these resources."

The program will provide, at no cost to veterans, ANSI-accredited Cisco training and preparation leading to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®) certification to veterans with IT skills, as well as virtual access to Cisco Learning Labs.

Read Governor Snyder's press release and more about the program by clicking here.

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5,000+ Likes - Join Us on Facebook

5000likes

 

Michigan Veterans' Services Division celebrates 5,000 likes on Facebook. 

Join our family on Facebook for information regarding anything Michigan Veterans. Get employment tips, learn about job fair dates, see job classifieds, learn about the latest legislations that may affect you.

Join us today!

 

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Veterans Benefits & Services Guide

The latest guide to the universe of benefits and services available to Michigan veterans is here. Download your copy of Veterans Benefits & Services - for Michigan veterans who served in the military. (File size = 4.4MB)
 
This guide includes information on education and training, employment, health care, home loans and tax credits, life insurance, dependent and survivor benefits, financial emergencies and other resources of specific interest to veterans.
 
This guide is also available in hard copy from your local representative.

veterans benefits booklet

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Out-of-State Veterans Pay In-State Tuition Rates

Presidents Council

Big news announced last week: Tuition pledge says veterans from ANY state will pay in-state tuition only. The Presidents Council State Universities of Michigan announced all of the Michigan 15 public universities are providing in-state tuition for all veterans regardless of residency or active duty status. This is a big deal. For example, it costs roughly $13,100 for in-state tuition and fees at the University of Michigan, compared to nearly $40,400 for out-of-state tuition and fees.

Read the full press release and more here.

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Meet Steven Brown, CEO, Grand Rapids Hot Dog Company

The following story is courtesy of Alana Holland. Visit her creative, entertaining and enlightening blog Sojournalist

GR Hot Dog Co

A student’s passion, a single father’s livelihood, and a veteran’s need to fill a void...

By the time he was halfway up U.S. 131 to Mackinaw City, Steven Brown knew he might have taken his crazy idea a little too far. There was no turning back at this point.
 
But after 13 hours, 492 miles and $2,500 later, he was the new CEO of his own business.
 
The hot dog cart sitting in the trailer riding behind him on the freeway marked the beginning of his career as an unconventional entrepreneur.
 
He was 30, putting life back together after 11 years overseas doing Army life. He was beginning a new stage: college freshman.
 
“Being a single dad, and being a veteran, it was hard finding a part-time job just for weekends,” Brown explained about the decision to get creative for employment, “So I went out and did it myself.”
 
In the fall of 2012, Brown officially launched the “Grand Rapids Hot Dog Company.”

Continue reading Steven's story here and check out this YouTube video.

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Michigan Disabled Veterans Exempt from Property Taxation

Property Tax Exemption

Recent legislation approved by Governor Snyder declares that if you are a disabled veteran owning your own home, you may be exempt from paying property taxes. Disabled veterans who have been discharged from the armed forces under honorable conditions and meet one of the following criteria now qualify for this tax exemption in Michigan:

a) Has been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans’ benefits at the 100% rate.

b) Has a certificate from the United States Veterans’ Administration, or its successors, certifying that he or she is receiving or has received pecuniary assistance due to disability for specially adapted housing.

c) Has been rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as individually unemployable.

Read the bill here.

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Davenport University Offers Nursing Degree for Veterans

Receive credit for your military training and combat military experience by applying for Davenport University’s new VBSN degree today! The VBSN (Veterans Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree runs parallel to their standard BSN degree with the exception that it is reserved for those who have served in a medical occupation in any branch of the U.S. Military. It is designed to help military personnel who have experience at the paramedic level to obtain a nursing degree and a position in the healthcare field. It is a competitive entry program so there is no waiting list. However, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 from high school or from another college/university in order to apply.
       
This nursing program only starts once per year in the fall semester (typically September). All nursing applications must be submitted prior to January 31 and the candidates will be selected for the next fall semester.

Interested veterans and military members can inquire further or begin the admissions process immediately by contacting Adam Betz or Jonathan Highman or by calling (855) 382-3446.

For more information, visit here or download the brochure.

Davenport Nursing

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Links and Items of Interest

Links
  • Thinking about using your GI Bill benefits? WEAMS is the authoritative list of all schools and facilities approved in the State of Michigan (and other states) where veterans can receive training under the GI Bill. Visit WEAMS to assure your training is from an approved school or facility.
  •  DD-214 and other military forms: Accessing your military and veteran benefits requires filling out the correct military forms.  Visit Official Records and Forms to find the forms you need.
  • Hero2Hired (H2H) was created to make it easy for Reserve Component service members to connect to and find jobs with military-friendly companies. H2H also offers career exploration tools, military-to-civilian skills translations, education and training resources, as well as a mobile app.
  •  8 common interview questions and how you should approach your answer. Being prepared and knowing the interviewer's intent makes all the difference in the world.
  • Develop your best resume, making it impossible for the hiring manager to not want to learn more about you. Check out these resume tips.

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Connect With Michigan Veterans' Services Division on Facebook

Thank you for your service to this great country.  Are you part of Michigan Veterans' Services Division Facebook Family?

Check it out and become an active member by clicking 'like'. ------------->>

Popular Facebook Post of the Week - Check it out!

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