UI scholarship fund gives veterans an open door to higher education
While there are scholarship programs for each niche group at the University of Idaho, one scholarship program, Operation Education, strives to be more than just a lump sum of funds.
“We call it the Operation Education family,” said Dan Button, UI veterans adviser and Operation Education Scholarship committee chair. “Our program is holistic, because it not only focuses on the scholars, but also those who help support them and everyone working hard to help them succeed.”
Operation Education is a scholarship program for post-9/11 veterans with disabilities obtained in the line of duty, said Jim Zuba, Operation Education director of development.
Zuba said while the program provides financial assistance, it also includes academic support for scholars, special equipment tailored to the scholar’s disability, counseling and post-college career preparation.
“A unique aspect of this program is that the scholarships are customized to meet the needs of each individual recipient,” Button said. “It addresses academic, home and social needs they might encounter throughout the school year.”
As a retired Marine lieutenant colonel, Button said he knows the difficulties that come with adjusting to life post-service.
“The help that we provide can be as simple as giving advice on which car repair service is best or coordinating class schedules to accommodate medical visits,” Button said. “We try to help veterans tackle life challenges and to reduce the additional stress that comes with relocating to a new place.”
Zuba said an additional aspect of Operation Education that makes it stand out from other programs in the nation is that it provides funds for the spouses of eligible veterans.
“Benefits can also be provided to the spouse so that the family can complete their higher education and improve their overall quality of life,” Zuba said. “It is definitely rare for a state institution to have this type of program for veterans as well as for their families.”
Button said while both veterans and their spouses may receive scholarships at the same time, in some cases a veteran may be severely injured enough to the point where they are unable to attend school.
“In those situations, the spouses receive the scholarships so that they can be provided with an education and get employment to support their family,” Button said.
The funds for Operation Education are privately raised and the scholarship receives no state or federal funds.
“It’s all out of the graciousness of our donors and support to the program,” Zuba said. “At the last football game, the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity raised $5,000 in support of Operation Education … it’s a cause that so many different people contribute to.”
Since its inception in 2006, the program has raised more than $1 million, Zuba said.
Button said all of the donor support has made an impact, as there is now a history of high graduation rates within the program.
“We have had 22 scholars to date,” Button said. “Sixteen of those have earned their degree, while the remaining six are currently enrolled at the university and are working towards completing their studies.”
While many different groups support the program, its success is a result of the scholars in which it serves, Button said.
“We’re extremely proud of the success of our scholars,” Button said. “They do all of the hard work and the rest of us work in supporting roles … it is an honor and a privilege for all of us who have a hand in helping these scholars do such great things.”
Button said although it’s a challenge to accurately anticipate the needs that may appear at any given time for the program scholars, UI staff and other supporting project members work hard to ensure the needs are met.
“It’s really everybody that’s working to help,” Button said. “Sometimes faculty members don’t even know that the scholars are veterans, and yet the UI staff has always worked closely with our scholars to accommodate their needs and help them overcome obstacles.”
Button said through the success of the program, he hopes to inspire other universities to establish a scholarship fund for veterans similar to Operation Education.
“The need for education among veterans is going to continue into the indefinite future,” Button said. “While I can’t account for other universities, we are certainly intent on continuing the program, because we want to continue helping veterans and their families to achieve a better life.”
Corrin Bond can be reached at [email protected]