When it comes to veterans and military personnel, all are welcome in the Academy’s creative environment. In fact, veterans often find the variety of benefits and services available to them to be a differentiator when it comes to choosing where and how to pursue their higher education in the arts.
At Academy of Art University, leadership and faculty firmly believe anyone can pursue a career in the arts, no matter their walk of life, background, or prior experience. From inclusive admissions to generous programs designed for student success, Academy of Art University helps veterans cultivate the skills they need to be productive in real-world work situations after they leave active service and beyond.
A benefit for qualifying veterans is the military scholarship opportunities available through Academy of Art University. Designed for transitioning service members, and their families tuition assistance can be made available for first-time students who meet specific enrollment criteria as full-time scholars. The Academy has academic advisers available to walk prospective students through all the benefits available to them through open military tuition assistance and the Veterans G.I. Bill.
No matter what area of the arts a veteran is interested in pursuing, they’ll find the support they need for success at Academy of Art University. With programs designed for a slate of artistic pursuits, the Academy can cater to motivated veterans looking for careers in more than just the creative arts. From architecture to fashion and game development, there’s a program to meet any artistic interest.
Academy of Art University is authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs to certify enrolled students under several programs and G.I. Bill benefits including Chapter 30, Chapter 31, and Chapter 33. In addition, the Academy accepts transcripts for military service credit from all branches of the armed forces, guiding applicants through the process of submitting the correct documents to receive credit. Academy of Art University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon program, which helps pay for tuition and eligible fees exceeding maximums under Chapter 33.
With an entire team dedicated to veterans’ affairs at Academy of Art University, students are able to pursue their academic goals with support and services designed just for them. Located in the Veterans Resource Center run by Crystal Beaumont, the Academy’s veteran’s student support efforts start at the beginning of every semester with both an online and onsite Veteran’s Resource Day where students are acquainted with the services available to them.
Veterans benefits and programs extend beyond the application and tuition process. The Veteran’s Center opened in 2018 has provided thousands of students with a place to socialize where they can share their experiences both at the school and in life, help each other with common issues, and collaborate on class work. It also provides veteran students with connections to housing along with mental and physical health assistance through the VA. The center is authorized to issue students their VA card so they can access this care.
The center is located in the main administration building and is staffed by veteran work- study students along with Beaumont. It is equipped with computers, study spaces, a pool table, and other creative spaces and resources.
“Our Veteran Center services not only aid our on-campus students,” says Beaumont, “but also our online Veterans students by connecting them with vendors and employers across the country through an extensive web of connections I have built.”
Recently to enhance its internship and job placement efforts for veterans who graduate from its programs the Academy has partnered with OneVet OneVoice lead by Courtney Ellington. “We created a job placement program to help veterans in schools so that they can continue to have that relationship with [vocational rehabilitation], after they graduate,” said Ellington. OneVet OneVoice works with local and national entrepreneurs who are creating jobs for veterans and their families to connect them with the Academy’s students and alumni. The OneVet OneVoice work-study program is another road for students to take that gives them a leg up when they graduate. By gaining work experience in creative fields while still a student, veterans have the ability to acquire real-world experience and add work to their portfolio that reflects their expertise.
For more information about the benefits, programs, and support available to veterans at Academy of Art University, visit https://www.academyart.edu/admissions/military-veterans-benefits/.
