The Davis & Elkins College Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program recently received a $2,115,940 five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The award will provide $423,188 annually and fund program services to 163 veterans each year.
The VUB program, which is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education, is a federal TRIO program dedicated to assisting veterans of the U.S. military prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education.
Davis & Elkins College VUB offers refresher and preparatory classes in English, math, science, foreign language and computer skills at several locations in West Virginia including the D&E campus. Classes are designed to prepare veterans for the academic rigors of postsecondary education. In addition to offering classes, program staff members assist veterans in securing financial aid, making use of their GI Bill benefits, and applying to and enrolling in postsecondary schools.
“We are thrilled to be able to assist West Virginia veterans in their academic pursuits for another five years,” said D&E VUB Interim Director Steve Belan. “We understand the importance of offering a comfortable learning environment. Many of our participants haven’t been in the classroom for several years. They often need to ease back into the academic environment. Our classes offer the ideal transition from service to classroom.”
Established in 1990, the Davis & Elkins College VUB program is the only such program in West Virginia. It is one of 60 programs nationwide and was selected for the grant from hundreds of applicants.
For more information about the Davis & Elkins College Veterans Upward Bound program, call Belan at 304-637-1322.