The New York Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars has more than 545 posts throughout New York State, where commanders want to draw younger veterans for mutual support, socializing and community service. In addition to supporting veterans, VFW posts provide support to active duty troops with care packages, outreach to families who remain at home while loved ones are stationed abroad, and assistance upon their return.

The education partnership provides reduced tuition rates (approximately 20 percent below Excelsior’s standard per-credit tuition rates) for VFW members and for their spouses who seek to further their education by starting or completing a college degree. Excelsior provides degree programs in business and technology, health sciences, nursing and liberal studies.

The VFW selected Excelsior as an education partner because of Excelsior’s long experience in serving military and veteran students, and for its reputation as a military-friendly college. In addition,

·        Excelsior’s course, “Success Strategies for Military and Veterans” earned the 2010-2011 Innovation Award from the Center for Transforming Student Services (CENTSS). The course provides college orientation to veterans and military members and teaches transition strategies for those entering the civilian workforce after a military career.
·        Many of Excelsior’s military academic advising team includes veterans who are uniquely attuned to the unique needs of military students, veterans, and their spouses.
·        Susan Dewan, executive director of Excelsior’s Center for Military Education is the recipient of a the 2011 William E. Kennedy Award from the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME), which recognizes leadership in providing higher education programs to personnel at U.S. military installations.
·        Excelsior President John F. Ebersole, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served in Vietnam, received the Secretary of the Army Public Service Award in 2010, for his leadership in contributing to the Army’s educational mission.

About the New York State Veterans of Foreign Wars

The 69,000 members of New York State Veterans of Foreign Wars lobby our local and National Legislators extensively to maintain the benefits promised to those who serve our Nation. Insisting that medical, educational and other benefits are maintained at current levels for our returning Veterans.  In addition, we promote patriotism in the schools and through the community with a variety of programs.

About Excelsior College

Excelsior College http://www.excelsior.edu is an accredited, nonprofit distance learning institution that focuses on removing obstacles to the educational goals of adult learners. Founded in 1971 and located in Albany, NY, Excelsior is a proven leader in the assessment and validation of student knowledge. It offers more efficient and affordable access to degree completion through multiple avenues: its own online courses and college-level proficiency examinations, and the acceptance in transfer of credit from other colleges and universities as well as recognized corporate and military training programs. Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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