On this Veterans Day 2008, CSU has special reason to celebrate as the recipient of a $100,000 gift from the Wal-Mart Foundation to support programs that provide educational assistance to veterans.

Cleveland State University is one of only 10 colleges and universities nationwide to be recognized for its successful veterans’ educational program. SERV - Supportive Education for the Returning Veteran - is a second-year program at Cleveland State that is designed to assist military veterans with their transition from soldier to civilian to student. Classes have been designed specifically for veterans to help them in that very important first year of college. In addition, support is provided for veterans who have taken college-level coursework previously at CSU or elsewhere.

Dr. John Schupp founded the SERV Program, a two-semester program at Cleveland State University designed just for veterans. Under his direction, the program helps veterans apply for GI bill benefits, and offers veterans-only classes that help ease the transition back into the classroom for many veterans who have not been in a classroom for years. He works with veterans to navigate VA issues and offers a veteran-to-veteran mentoring program.

It has been found over the last decade that the leading reason civilians choose to enlist in the military is for the educational benefits provided upon the successful completion of their enlistment term. In reality, however, very few – less than 10% – take full advantage of their earned benefits. Cleveland State has researched the reason for this low number, and the SERV program specifically addresses these concerns.

For more information on the SERV program at Cleveland State, contact John Schupp, SERV Program Director, at 216.875.9997 (alternate: 440.488.6416), or Mary James, administrative assistant, at m.james@csuohio.edu or 216.875.9996 (alternate: 216.875.9699).

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The Wal-Mart Foundation is Giving $3.6 Million to Veterans Educational Programs. Click here for more information.

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