SDSU Troops to Engineers SERVICE by David T. Hayhurst, Ph.D., Dean, USM College of Science and Technology and Patricia Reily, Ed.D. (Commander, USN, retired)
SDSU A Veteran-Friendly Campus 1,200 student-veterans and active duty military 3,000 military dependents Headquarters for 2 ROTC units
SDSU, a Veteran-Friendly Campus 1,200 student-veterans on campus 120 student-veterans in Engineering Approximately 1/3 classified as Wounded Warriors More veterans leaving the military in San Diego than any other city in the country Strong support from the University, Industry, and the community at large
The Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center One stop shopping for all GI Bill Education Benefits. VA Vet Success Counselor and Military Liaison Officer on site
SDSU s Veterans House The only one of its kind in the nation. The home of SDSU s Student Veterans Organization (SVO) and the social hub of veterans activities on campus. A place where young veterans can live and hang out.
Creating a Welcoming Environment Supportive Community Large population of veterans on campus Veterans Center, centrally located, well staffed Veterans House, the social hub (especially important for young prior-enlisted veterans) Veterans on staff (Military Liaison, VP of Student Affairs and SERVICE Program) Special Orientation and Transition Class for veterans
Paid Internships are Key! Jason, Electrical Engineering Major, interning at SPAWAR; Buick Scholarship Winner
Why Paid Internships Are Key Confidence Builder: Experience augments classroom education and vice versa Student veterans learn how their military experience translates into a civilian skill set Veterans have the opportunity to show employers who they are and what they can do Veterans need the additional financial resources to complete an engineering or sciences degree Employment gives students a feeling of self-worth and purpose Student veterans gain mentors Alumni giveback in numerous ways
What it Feels Like to be in College on the GI Bill
Barriers to Success Financial challenges Providing credit for military training and education Translating military experience into language that employers understand Hiring the right people who can function as a bridge between active service and education to a successful career (Someone who is willing to be candid Veterans should not feel entitled ) Unintentional institutional biases in both the military and in academia create hurdles for veterans who want to pursue STEM careers Lack of good math and science classes offered on military bases, online, and on deployments
Goals Goal 1: Place 100% of student-veterans seeking career assistance into paid internships and/or full time, salaried jobs Goal 2: Increase the numbers of veterans pursuing careers in engineering Goal 3: Create a regional and national model of a premier Troops to Engineers SERVICE Program Goal 4: Garner industry for the program (financial and internships). Fortunately, thanks to the University s support in infrastructure and resources, it is a highly cost effective program and therefore an easy sell to industry
What do our student-veterans look like?
Matt and Matt, Electrical Engineering Majors Interning at General Dynamics NASSCO
Anthony, Mechanical Engineering Major, General Atomics Bio-Fuels Project Intern /General Dynamics NASSCO Intern
Jack, Electrical Engineering Major, Qualcomm and Northrop Grumman Intern
"Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. -Theodore Roosevelt
Role of Engineering Societies Local Chapters Invite veteran students to local chapter meetings, networking Volunteer to serve as mentors Set hiring veteran students into internships as a corporate priority National Organization Support efforts to translate military training into academic credit where rigor can be demonstrated Disseminate information nationally on best practices for veteran initiatives
Questions? Troops to Engineers SERVICE By David T. Hayhurst, Ph.D., Dean, USM College of Science and Technology And Patricia Reily, Ed.D. (Commander, USN, Retired)