Syracuse University has a distinguished history of supporting veterans, a commitment deeply rooted in its ethos. This dedication is exemplified by initiatives like the Syracuse Veterans Career Transition Program, now known as Onward to Opportunity (O2O), which stands as a cornerstone of the university’s comprehensive veteran support system. From its post-World War II beginnings to today’s innovative programs, Syracuse University consistently evolves to meet the needs of those who have served.
Early and Unwavering Support for Returning Veterans
In 1944, Chancellor William Pearson Tolley demonstrated remarkable foresight by establishing Syracuse University’s “uniform admissions program.” This groundbreaking initiative guaranteed admission to all returning military personnel after World War II, recognizing the vital role of higher education in their successful reintegration into civilian life.
The impact was immediate and profound. By 1946, Syracuse University welcomed an astounding 9,464 veterans, effectively doubling its student body. The campus rapidly adapted, with hundreds of Quonset huts, barracks, and trailers erected to accommodate the influx of veteran students.
By 1947, Syracuse University’s commitment was nationally recognized, ranking first in New York State and 17th nationally in veteran enrollment. To further extend its reach, University College expanded evening extension classes and adult education programs, ensuring accessibility for veterans unable to attend full-time.
Expanding Programs to Serve Military and Veteran Communities
Syracuse University’s dedication broadened beyond admissions to encompass specialized programs tailored to military personnel and veterans. 1952 marked the inception of the Defense Comptrollership Program (DCP) at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. Created to address financial management challenges identified during WWII, DCP has since educated over 1,600 military and civilian professionals, many of whom have achieved the highest levels within the Department of Defense.
Further expanding its reach, University College established national campuses, beginning in 1953 at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, NY, to support the educational aspirations of active duty Air Force personnel. The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications launched the Military Photojournalism Program (MPJ) in 1963, training active duty combat photographers and military journalists in compelling storytelling. This program, now sponsored by the Department of Defense and open to all branches, underscores Syracuse’s commitment to enhancing military communication expertise.
The Newhouse School further innovated in 1992 with the Military Motion Media Program (MMM), providing advanced training for active duty mass communications specialists across all joint services. In 1996, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs initiated the National Security Studies (NSS) program, a premier professional development opportunity for senior civilian and military executives, sponsored by the DOD and attended by over 1,700 individuals.
Entrepreneurship and Career Transition Initiatives Emerge
Recognizing the evolving needs of post-9/11 veterans, Syracuse University launched the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) in 2007. Offered through the Whitman School, EBV provides cutting-edge entrepreneurial training to veterans with service-related disabilities. Expanding to include all veterans and becoming a national consortium of universities hosted by Syracuse, EBV has graduated over 1,000 veterans, fostering a new generation of veteran entrepreneurs.
The university’s entrepreneurship portfolio expanded further with EBV-Families in 2010, supporting military family caregivers and spouses of fallen service members. V-WISE (Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship), also launched, caters to female veterans and their partners across all military branches and eras.
The Syracuse Veterans Career Transition Program: Bridging Military Skills to Civilian Careers
In 2011, Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies (iSchool), in collaboration with JPMorgan Chase & Co., launched the Veterans Career Transition Program (VCTP). This non-credit program, now known as Onward to Opportunity (O2O), provides free, high-quality training to post-9/11 veterans seeking careers in technology and operations within large corporations. The Syracuse Veterans Career Transition Program directly addresses the critical need for veterans to translate their military skills and experience into successful civilian careers.
IVMF: A National Hub for Veteran Support
Building on its extensive veteran support infrastructure, Syracuse University established the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) in 2012. With JPMorgan Chase & Co. as a founding partner, the IVMF serves as a national center of excellence, addressing the social, economic, education, and policy challenges facing the 25 million U.S. veterans and their families. Through partnerships like VetNet with Google, Hire Heroes USA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative, the IVMF leverages technology and collaboration to provide comprehensive career resources and support to the veteran community.
Syracuse University’s enduring commitment to veterans, highlighted by the impactful Syracuse Veterans Career Transition Program and the comprehensive resources of the IVMF, demonstrates a continuous legacy of service and dedication to those who have served the nation.
