For many military veterans, despite the challenging experiences they have faced while enlisted, stepping foot into an academic environment can be nonetheless intimidating because of the foundational academic skills required to be successful in college. The Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) was established as an introduction to the demands of college life by offering a free immersive academic boot camp hosted at American partner universities for current and former military service members who wish to pursue higher education.
Fifteen active or veteran military members will spend a week at the University of Notre Dame this summer preparing for enrollment at colleges and universities around the country as Notre Dame joins more than 15 other partner universities across the country to host a WSP cohort in June.
At Notre Dame, the military scholars will engage in seminars led by University faculty and administrators on college preparation such as analytical reading and college-level writing, studying and exam preparation skill development, time management, college campus resource awareness and more.
“Notre Dame has a long and distinguished history of supporting our military,” said Hugh Page, vice president and associate provost for undergraduate affairs and dean of the First Year of Studies program. “Our campus has been for some time an important locus for the training of those preparing for military careers. Several of our past University presidents served in the chaplain corps. Our ROTC program graduates more military officers than other colleges, outside of the military academies. The theme ‘God, Country, Notre Dame’ is one that we embrace fully, and we see the Warrior-Scholar Project as an opportunity consistent with our mission to support and prepare military personnel for success academically and beyond.”
At Notre Dame, the WSP has been funded by a generous gift from 3rd and Goal Foundation, a veteran support organization founded by class of 2007 alumni Brady Quinn and Brian Veith. Quinn, a record-setting Notre Dame and National Football League quarterback, is a college and NFL broadcast game analyst while Veith is senior vice president of Watch Hill Bank in Cincinnati.
“I have the utmost gratitude for those who have served and sacrificed for our country,” said Quinn. “One of the greatest gifts you can give a veteran is an advanced education. This partnership will ensure our gratitude is everlasting.”
The WSP class will stay in Notre Dame residence halls during the program in order to experience residential college life. They will also take in campus cultural experiences and celebrate the completion of the program with an event featuring notable Notre Dame figures such as legendary football coach and former military officer Lou Holtz.
“We are proud to host a Warrior-Scholar Project at the University of Notre Dame,” said Sidney Ellington, executive director of WSP. “The program at Notre Dame will tap into the immense potential of post-9/11 veterans and reduce obstacles to success, addressing veterans’ misperceptions about college, and build their confidence through a rigorous academic program.”
The Warrior-Scholar Project at Notre Dame is one example of how the University is focusing on increased support for veterans and military families.