Seattle Central lands newest chapter of national student veterans organization
Seattle Central’s Student Veterans Association is the newest chapter of the national organization Student Veterans of America (SVA). Founded in 2008 and based in Washington, D.C., SVA provides programs, resources and support to the network of local student veteran organizations. There are currently 950 chapter affiliates on college campuses across the country.
By becoming a chapter, Seattle Central’s student vets can apply for funding from the VetCenter Initiative, funded by a grant from Home Depot, to renovate/refurbish its existing campus vet center. Each Friday, the student vets hold an event called “Drop Zone Fridays,” where student vets can drop in for fellowship and food donated by Panera Bread.
Over 200 veterans are currently enrolled at Seattle Central using educational benefits from the GI Bill® and other government programs. Of those, about 150 are active in the Student Veterans Association. Longtime veterans’ program coordinator Tony Diaz provides support to former soldiers to help them navigate college life.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.