From battlefield to classroom

TU to host Operation Service to Scholarship

TU is reaching out to an underserved and underrepresented group of potential students: Afghan and Iraqi war veterans.

In what organizers believe may be the first of its kind in the nation, TU will host Operation Service to Scholarship, an open house/college fair designed especially for men and women leaving the armed forces.

Tracy Miller, the TU academic adviser who’s coordinating the event, says she came up with the idea after speaking with veterans returning from service in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Some military returnees want college as a concept,” she says. “They know that it’s a way to get ahead, but don’t really know what college is and what it involves.”

“I started thinking that they needed some additional guidance—somebody to talk to,” Miller adds.

The fair will address the needs and circumstances specific to military veterans. One panel discussion topic will cover the type of benefits veterans are eligible for—such as credits given for basic training, reduced tuition at some institutions and service scholarships.

Another panel discussion will help veterans choose the right kind of college for them, whether a public school, private school, four-year institution, two-year community college or technical college. TU, UMBC, Villa Julie College, Coppin State University, Baltimore City Community College, The Community College of Baltimore County, Baltimore International College (School of Culinary Arts, Business and Management) and TESST College of Technology will have representatives on hand to answer questions.

Veterans will also learn about choosing an area of study and fitting in with campus life. “Their life experiences will be considerably different from the rest of the college population,” says Miller, “whether they’re the same chronological age or not. We’ll discuss getting involved with campus activities, because we know that has a lot to do with how well any student performs.”

Miller hopes that word of mouth will generate buzz about the event.

“The goal is to let veterans know what college can do for them, help them define their goals and match them to the school that’s best suited for them,” she says.

“Any vet who wants to further his or her education is welcome to come and explore the options.”

Operation Service to Scholarship will be held at the University Union, Susquehanna Terrace, on Fri., March 3, from 3 to 6 p.m. For more information, contact Tracy Miller, x43583.

Story by Stuart Zang/Photo by Kanji Takeno

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