Veterans Upward Bound
Veteran Resources
Support & Aid for Veterans
1. Choose Your Institution
Search for programs on College Board
2. Complete Your Admission Tests
Some institutions require the Accuplacer, SAT or ACT.
Find out more about the SAT and how to register
3. Military Transcripts
Check to see if the college will allow you to transfer your military service for college credits. Find out more:
Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard
4. Apply for Admission
Apply to the institution of your choice.
Many colleges don’t accept applications until they are complete. Many applications require:
- A copy of your high school transcripts
- Test scores from your SAT or ACT
- Application form and any accompanying essays
5. Apply for Veterans Benefits
There are specific financial assistance programs for veterans.
The VA has many financial resources on its website. The frequently asked questions section might be helpful to see how affordable college will be for you.
Vocational Rehab and Employment(VR&E) is a program administered by the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs to guide veterans through career counseling, personal academic support, and also in some cases financial assistance. Learn more about the program at the VA website.
6. Apply for Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
After applying to GI benefits, next complete the FAFSA.
PHEAA
If applying to schools in Pennsylvania, apply to PHEAA for state financial aid.
More resources are available below under “Financial Aid & Scholarships”
7. Campus Specific Resources
Some state schools allow veterans to apply to classes early or have on campus veterans resources such as veterans centers. Check with your college campus to see what resources are available.
Veteran Affairs
The VA helps service members transition out of military service, and assists with education, home loans, life insurance and much more. Find out if you are eligible for VA benefits by clicking the link above.
Military Records Application
Obtain free copies of your DD Form 214 and military records
Disabled American Veterans
DAV is nonprofit organization that supports veterans and their families by providing rides to medical appointments, benefits claims, and connecting veterans with meaningful employment.
Wounded Warrior Project
WWP, a nonprofit organization supports veterans with mental and physical wellness, career and VA benefits counseling and more.
National Resource Directory
The NRD is a database of validated resources that supports recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration for service members and veterans.
House Committee on Veterans Affairs (Legislative Actions)
The Committee has jurisdiction over veterans’ measures generally, including veterans’ hospitals, medical care, treatment compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and education, as well as over pensions of all the wars of the United States (general and special), the readjustment of servicemembers to civil life, and servicemembers’ civil relief.
Veterans Support Foundation
VSF’s Supportive Housing Program provides shelter and support for veterans without housing.
LGBTQ+ Veterans Resources at the VA
There is a LGBTQ+ Care Coordinator at every facility to assist veterans access inclusive and affirming health and mental health care.
Mental Health and Substance Use Resources
Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
This resource provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.
The VA National Center for PTSD
Some veterans develop PTSD after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat or natural disaster. It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of event.The good news is that there are effective treatments.
Addiction Resource
Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers.
Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
This resource provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.
The VA National Center for PTSD
Some veterans develop PTSD after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat or natural disaster. It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of event.The good news is that there are effective treatments.
Addiction Resource
Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers.
Van Pelt Library
As a veteran in the Upward Bound program, you will have access to the library. The Veterans Upward Bound Resource guide is a helpful place to start.
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania
The clinic offers high-quality mental health care for veterans and their families at no cost.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
After applying to GI benefits, next complete the FAFSA.
PHEAA
If applying to schools in Pennsylvania, apply to PHEAA for state financial aid.
Financial Aid Info from STEPS
This resource guide includes information on financial aid and veteran specific financial aid resources.
Scholarships for Public Service Students
This guide helps aspiring public health professionals, teachers, social workers, and related public service professionals find the funding for their specialized college education.
College Board
Explore colleges, majors, careers and test prep.
Financial Literacy Training
The FDIC’s Money Smart Computer-based Instruction provides financial education to achieve financial goals.
Student Veterans of America
This organization provides resources, network support and advocacy for veterans to, through, and beyond higher education.
Veterans Multi-Service Center
The VMC provides services and programs for veterans in the areas of employment, housing and more.
LGBTQ+ Veteran Care at VA Philadelphia
Connect with a LGBTQ+ Care Coordinator to connect with affirming clinical care.
Coatesville VA
VA Coatesville offers healthcare, mental healthcare, and supportive social, educational, and occupational services.