Higher education programs can be quite valuable for veterans transitioning back into civilian life. Some states take that more seriously than others, and among the leaders is North Carolina.
In today’s Martin Center article, Reagan Allen writes that, “because hundreds of thousands of active-duty personnel, reservists, and veterans are stationed or living in North Carolina, not prioritizing service members in higher education means underutilizing one of the state’s greatest assets.” The UNC system over the past three years “has worked to . . . translate talk of ‘military friendliness’ into actual results.”
For example, the state’s Military Equivalency System translates skills learned in the service into academic credits so vets won’t have to take duplicate coursework. The UNC system also offers online coursework, which is often appealing to military families.
“By pairing online learning options with relevant career pathways,” says Allen, “the system is opening new doors for veterans.” Recognizing that “adult learners often have a career mindset,” the system allows them to focus on practicality.