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If you're a veteran looking to go to business school, the Yellow Ribbon Program could be a valuable financial resource! Operated as a provision of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program offers a pathway for eligible veterans to receive supplementary financial assistance for their higher education endeavors – both undergraduate and graduate studies.

Primarily designed to assist veterans who qualify for Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Benefits, the Yellow Ribbon Program plays a crucial role in easing the financial burden of pursuing degrees at private institutions or out-of-state schools. This initiative collaborates with educational institutions to bridge the gap between the tuition expenses and the funds available through the G.I. Bill, thus facilitating veterans in their pursuit of education beyond their military service.

Find out more – including whether you're eligible – on the Yellow Ribbon Program website. 

Veterans’ Employment Services collaborates closely with the Michigan Veterans Benefits Administration Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) team to facilitate a smooth transition into meaningful careers in Michigan for our valued veterans.

Our partnership with VR&E extends to utilizing their web-based resources and informative video series. These resources have been thoughtfully designed to not only amplify comprehension of the VR&E program but to also elevate the overall veteran experience.

Specifically, the Veteran Orientation Express serves as a valuable tool tailored for transitioning service members, veterans, and other interested stakeholders seeking insights into the VR&E program. You can access this comprehensive resource through the following link: Veteran Readiness and Employment Orientation.

Through this collaboration, VES aims to ensure veterans can seamlessly navigate their journey from military service to the professional sphere, ultimately fostering a successful integration into the Michigan workforce. Learn more about VR&E here.

VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) plays a pivotal role in providing crucial assistance to veterans, service members, and qualified dependents during their challenging transition from military service to college life. This program stands as a vital support system, offering a helping hand to navigating the intricate process of integrating into a civilian academic environment.

One of the program's notable strengths is the strategic placement of vocational rehabilitation counselors on 104 campuses spanning the entire nation. This wide network of on-campus counselors ensures those in need can access personalized guidance and support directly within their academic environments.

What sets VSOC apart is its holistic approach, recognizing the transition to college life involves not only academic adjustments but also considerations for future career paths. By not solely focusing on academics, VSOC equips its participants with the tools and insights necessary to make informed decisions about their post-military career trajectories.

This comprehensive approach acknowledges that veterans and service members bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, which can be effectively channeled into various vocational opportunities. Through this emphasis on both academic and career-related support, VSOC effectively empowers its participants to take charge of their educational journey and subsequent professional endeavors, fostering a smoother and more successful transition into civilian life.

Learn more on the VSOC website.

The VA Office of Inspector General is asking that you promptly notify the VA of any instances where VA-approved educational institutions are charging veterans (whose enrollment is financially supported by the VA) a tuition fee that exceeds that of civilian students for identical courses.

Your assistance in reporting such cases is invaluable in helping the VA ensure fairness and equity in educational billing practices for our veterans. Learn more about what to look for and how to submit a report in this fraud alert one pager.

Before completing his service with the U.S. Marine Corps, Nathan Murray successfully completed a DOD Skills Bridge program in welding and obtained multiple welding certificates.

When Nathan was ready to find a new job, he started at his local Michigan Works! in Marquette. There he connected with Talent Specialist Danielle Mickelson who, after finding out Nathan was a veteran, connected him with the appropriate resources. 

Danielle explained the comprehensive range of career services available, including career planning through the Jobs for Veterans State Grant. She facilitated the completion of a Military Service Questionnaire and ensured seamless communication with Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA) Aaron Lindholm. 

Under VCA Lindholm's expert guidance, Nathan not only received comprehensive job search training but also benefited from resume refinement, resulting in his job-ready status. Following this preparation, he was referred to Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) Kendal Kettle for dual case management. Both VES staff members embraced a people-centered approach to provide Nathan with tailored and effective supportive services, ensuring his path to success.

Nathan diligently submitted multiple job applications and successfully secured interviews with various employers. Throughout each interview process, LVER Kettle proactively advocated for him. Ultimately, Nathan received an official offer for a production technician position at Superior Extrusion. A few weeks later, Nathan accepted an additional role as a general worker at K2 Insulation, which is closer to his home and allows him to work the day shift. 

Thanks to the seamless teamwork between Michigan Works! and VES staff, Nathan secured meaningful and suitable employment. His new positions not only align with his desired schedule and income expectations but also serve as a supportive bridge for his transition from military service to a fulfilling role in the civilian workforce.

Mary Louise Castro, born on November 26, 1917, became the first Mexican-American woman from San Antonio to serve in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during World War II, in the Signal Corps.

After her service in the WAC, Castro worked as a Department of the Army civilian, eventually completing 34 years of government service. She never forgot her military service and became a member of the American GI. Forum of Illinois and the Veteran’s Outreach Program of Illinois. She served on the Veteran’s Advisory Council of the City of Chicago and was also a charter member and field representative for the Women’s Veteran Memorial Wall Foundation.

Castro was honored for her service in and out of uniform by the National Association of Illinois Women’s Veterans, the American G.I. Forum, and American Veterans (AMVETS). She passed away at the age of 96 on March 25, 2014 and was laid to rest with full military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.

Learn more about Mary and other veterans on the Veterans Legacy Memorial webpage.

Welcome to the Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) Newsletter. Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.

The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.

• Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
• More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
• Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.