For many veterans, education is the first step towards realizing a purpose-driven life. The NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) recognizes that adjusting to life out of uniform can be quite a challenge for student veterans. We also understand that the pandemic and ensuing economic hardships have made pursuing an education harder for all students.

As the new semester approaches, please turn to DVS if you are in need of support.

Student veterans looking for education services can fill out the VetConnectNYC form. Please select "Education" as your preferred service if you need educational support; if you need support obtaining VA education benefits, select "Benefits Navigation". After you fill out the form, the DVS Care Coordination team will connect you to the services and resources that are right for you.

Student veterans can also visit nyc.gov/studentvet for a list of education resources, including:

• Credit for Military Occupational Experience and Training
• Information on VA Education Benefits
• Tuition Support
• Scholarships for Student Veterans
• Information on Predatory Loans
• Professional Development and Networking Programs
• Vocational Training
• Tutoring Resources

This week, DVS attended Student Veterans of America's 14th Annual National Conference, NatCon 2022. NatCon 2022 brought together thousands of student veterans and connected them with inspiring speakers, employers, and thought leaders to exchange ideas and network.

While at the conference, DVS engaged with student veterans from across the country to discuss why NYC is the best place for transitioning service members and future graduates to live, learn, and work! 

DVS also hosted the "Tools for Success: Starting a New Life in a New City" panel, for student veterans interested in learning best practices and tips for successfully transitioning to a new city. Panelists included: James Hendon, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Veterans' Services, Priscila Kalagian, Chair of the Orlando Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council, and Robert Santiago, Commissioner of the Boston Office of Veterans' Services.

NYU Veterans Future Lab is now accepting applications for its Veterans Entrepreneurship Training I (VET-I) program, held online! The no-cost 12-week skills-focused course is for US military veterans, service members, and military spouses who are early-stage entrepreneurs or looking to transition into entrepreneurship. The deadline is January 12, 2022, and space is limited so apply now!

All Black veteran, active duty, guard, reserve, or military spouse entrepreneurs with a new business that is at least 50% military-and Black founder-owned and operated are eligible to apply to PenFed Foundation VEIP’s Black History Month Ignition Challenge 2022! As part of the Ignition Challenge, military entrepreneurs pitch their business or business idea to compete for grants of up to $25,000 to be used to create or boost their small businesses. Learn more and apply.

Amazon is hiring transitioning military members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, military spouses, and military dependents 18 years and older for part-time and full-time hourly positions. Learn more and apply at amazon.com/militaryjobs.

     Get Vaccinated:

• Get vaccinated and get your booster dose. Vaccines are available to anyone 5 and older. Visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder to find a vaccination site near you. 

Booster Updates

• If you received the Pfizer vaccine, you now only have to wait 5 months, not 6, for your booster! 
• Boosters are now authorized for kids ages 12 and up. Starting TODAY, January 7th, most vaccination sites in NYC, including all City sites, will expand boosters for children.

Wear a Mask

• Wear a good quality mask, especially in closed places. Consider upgrading to an N95 or KN95 mask for more protection.

Get Tested

• Get tested immediately if you show symptoms, and before traveling or meeting with other people. Learn more and find a testing location near you. 

Update from the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System:
Due to the rise in the omicron variant of COVID, the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System is temporarily suspending all visitation to our facilities, with the exception of visitation for patients imminently dying.

Effective through January 14th, there will be a pause on all non-urgent procedures and in-person clinic visits at NY Harbor due to rising cases of COVID in our area. 

For more information, please contact your providers.

• Episode 1: Stories of the Black Veteran Experience Across Generations 
• Episode 2: Black Post 9/11 Veterans 
• Episode 3: Black Woman. Veteran. (In that Order)