CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Penn State Lehigh Valley has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds, and publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM Jobs and Military Spouse. Now in its seventh year, the Military Friendly Schools designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data-driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities.
Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly School title by completing a survey of more than 100 questions covering 10 categories, including military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks across these key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by Ernst & Young based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent advisory board of higher education and recruiting professionals.
The Military Friendly Schools designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation. The methodology used for making the Military Friendly Schools list has changed the student veteran landscape to one much more transparent, and it has played a significant role over the past seven years in capturing and advancing best practices to support military students across the country.
"Penn State Lehigh Valley is excited to receive this important designation that shows our commitment to student veterans. Veterans have made the ultimate commitment by serving our nation, and now it's our turn to serve them and their families by helping them obtain a high-quality education and the Penn State experience," said Melissa Baker, coordinator of student services at Penn State Lehigh Valley.
For veteran students, Penn State Lehigh Valley offers:
- Individualized financial aid guidance;
- Specialized admissions focus;
- A designated veteran services coordinator and;
- The Omega Delta Sigma fraternity, which facilitates the transition from military life to collegiate life.
“Post-secondary institutions earning the 2016 Military Friendly School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members and spouses,” said Daniel Nichols, chief product officer for Victory Media and Navy Reserve veteran. “Our Military Friendly Schools are truly aligning their military programs and services with employers to help students translate military experience, skills and training into successful careers after graduation.”
For more information about Penn State Lehigh Valley's commitment to attracting and supporting military students, contact Baker at 610-285-5217 or [email protected], or visit the campus' Veterans Services website.
Penn State Lehigh Valley will be showcased along with other 2016 Military Friendly Schools in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools, the special education issues of G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse Magazine, and on MilitaryFriendly.com.
