Services for the Underserved, Inc. (SUS)

Veterans Education to Employment (VEEP)

The New York City Metropolitan area is a highly desirable area for veterans to live, learn and settle after separating from the Armed Forces. Many veterans pursue education and training programs using their Post 9/11 G.I. Bill benefits, specifically in New York City because it affords among the highest housing allowances in the nation. Unfortunately, many student veterans exhaust their benefits before finishing their degrees. Others use benefits for courses and unaccredited programs that do not result in long-term career prospects, perpetuating underemployment and housing instability. Because employment is fundamental to helping the most at-risk veterans rise from poverty into rewarding and fulfilling careers the Veterans Education to Employment (VEEP) program addresses issues holistically. Program staff provide benefits, housing and career counseling, offer financial guidance, and connect veterans to high-quality education and training programs with real career paths. The program helps some of NYC’s most vulnerable veterans prepare for civilian employment, secure interviews, enter new careers, and subsequently follows up with additional necessary support to ensure individual success. This Bob Woodruff Foundation grant will support VEEP programming for 175 post-9/11 veterans.