Michigan recognizes 63 Veteran-Friendly Schools

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) has awarded Veteran-Friendly Schools status to 63 universities, colleges and trade schools across Michigan for the 2021-22 school year.

The state agency's Veteran-Friendly Schools (VFS) program recognizes postsecondary institutions committed to supporting the needs of military-connected students.

Any institution of higher learning or training facility in Michigan eligible to receive veteran education benefits can apply for the program regardless of size or program delivery. This year's awardees range from a boat-building school to community colleges to Big Ten universities.

MVAA Director Zaneta Adams noted that since the VFS program was created in 2013, there has been a steady increase in the number of schools dedicated to enrolling student veterans and enhancing the Michigan workforce with each graduating class.

"I would like to extend my best wishes for a successful school year to all student veterans and their families - from the student who is just beginning their educational pursuits to the student veteran who will make the transition from boots and a helmet to a cap and gown," Adams said. "We are thankful for the commitment of our 63 Veteran-Friendly Schools to our country's veterans by ensuring that these students are supported throughout their entire educational journey."

The program awards Gold-, Silver- and Bronze-level status to institutions based on seven criteria:

- Established process for identifying student veterans
- Veteran-specific website
- Active student-operated veterans club or association
- Veteran-specific career services, resources, advising and/or outcome monitoring
- On-campus veteran's coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact
- System to evaluate and award credit based on military training and experience
- Monitoring and evaluation system for student veteran academic retention, transfer and graduation rates.
- Gold-level certification requires six or more of the criteria, while Silver schools must complete four and Bronze schools, three.

"Since its inception, the Veteran-Friendly Schools program has recognized those institutions that have the drive and passion for serving those that have served in the military," said Chris Taylor, MVAA education analyst. "I'm excited to see the number of schools who continue to innovate in their programming grow, particularly after a pandemic changed the face of education at all levels, including our post-secondary institutions."

Michigan institutions interested in becoming a Veteran-Friendly School should contact MVAA-Strategy@michigan.gov for more information.

The following schools have been awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze-level Veteran-Friendly Schools, respectively:

GOLD

1. Alma College
2. Central Michigan University
3. Cleary University
4. Concordia University, Ann Arbor
5. Davenport University
6. Delta College
7. Eastern Michigan University
8. Ferris State University
9. Global Information Technology
10. Grand Valley State University
11. Henry Ford College
12. Jackson College
13. Kalamazoo Valley Community College
14. Lake Superior State University
15. Lansing Community College
16. MIAT College of Technology
17. Macomb Community College
18. Michigan State University
19. Michigan Technological University
20. Mid-Michigan College
21. Montcalm Community College
22. Muskegon Community College
23. Northern Michigan University
24. Northwood University
25. Oakland Community College
26. Oakland University
27. Olivet College
28. Saginaw Valley State University
29. Schoolcraft College
30. University of Detroit Mercy
31. University of Michigan
32. University of Michigan-Dearborn
33. University of Michigan-Flint
34. Walsh College
35. Washtenaw Community College
36. Wayne State University
37. Western Michigan University

SILVER

1. Aquinas College
2. Baker College
3. Bay de Noc Community College
4. Calvin University
5. Compass College of Cinematic Arts
6. Detroit School for Digital Technology
7. Finlandia University
8. Focus: HOPE
9. Glen Oaks Community College
10. Gogebic Community College
11. Grace Christian University
12. Grand Rapids Community College
13. Kettering University
14. Kirtland Community College
15. Lake Michigan College
16. Madonna University
17. Monroe County Community College
18. North Country Heavy Equipment School
19. Rochester University
20. St. Clair County Community College
21. Suburban CDL
22. West Shore Community College
23. Western Michigan University - Cooley Law School

BRONZE

1. Great Lakes Boat Building School
2. North Central Michigan College
3. Southwestern Michigan College