Empowering veterans through education: The EMERGE Foundation’s partnership with ACU

 

Each year close to 6,000 members of the Australian Defence Force leave the military, however the transition to civilian life can be a challenging endeavour for many, with high rates of unemployment and mental health challenges prevalent in this community. Recognising the importance of higher education as a pathway to successful civilian life, the EMERGE Foundation has partnered with Australian Catholic University (ACU) to create opportunities for veterans seeking to pursue higher education.

 

ACU, committed to removing barriers and improving opportunities for the defence community, has implemented various initiatives to support veterans in their transition to civilian life. One such initiative is the Veterans Transition Program (VTP), a two-week preparatory program designed to address key issues faced by service men and women (or their spouses and children) when transitioning into higher education. Since its inception in 2020 more than 140 students have attended the program, with 86% of participants going on to complete their studies at ACU.

 

Accessing the program comes with its own challenges however, as participants are required to attend the two-week program full-time which can cause financial stress for those who may need to work or provide childcare during that period.

 

To address this barrier, the EMERGE Foundation has committed to raise funds in support of scholarships for veterans attending VTP – the EMERGE Foundation VTP Scholarship Program. Each scholarship, valued at $2,500, will provide financial support to recipients, enabling them to attend the program and benefit from the intensive workshops and activities that will equip them with the skills needed to succeed at university.

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