Onward and Upward Bound: Military Veterans Charge toward Higher Education

Overview & Synopsis

In this article, Reginald L. Stewart asks: "What is the true value of higher education to military veterans?" Military veterans may be underrepresented in higher education due to life adversities including homelessness, medical disabilities, substance abuse, family hardships, and deficient academic skills, however, with the transition of veterans to colleges and universities, Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) projects nationwide provide life transformation through attainment of postsecondary education. Throughout the nation, positive life transformation results from the pursuit and achievement of postsecondary education coupled with VUB support, leadership involvement of colleges and universities, and the integration of services from veteran agencies. As many veterans seek and use their educational benefits, VUB projects nationwide carry out the unique mission of helping them enroll and succeed in postsecondary education. Military veterans display aspiration for academic achievement because military service increases the goal of higher education attainment. Among the reasons: (1) military organizations encourage higher education among members; (2) military service helps individuals overcome social limitations; and (3) military service establishes independence and self-confidence. The social cost benefit of educating military veterans is a beacon that enhances the ideals of higher education while conjoining VUB projects, colleges, and universities toward a common social end. This approach requires a national mandate that every state in the union establishes at least one VUB project at a public college or university. Higher education is a valued institution in our society whereby VUB projects, colleges, and universities make a rational social choice to educate our veteran heroes while maintaining the ideals of higher education and positive societal benefit for all citizens.