Veterans Upward Bound
Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a post-secondary education preparation program supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Our mission is to assist eligible military veterans in building the academic foundation and support network needed to successfully pursue postsecondary education — a bachelor’s degree, certificate, technical diploma, or vocational training program at any institution within our service area. All services are provided free of charge to qualified participants.
As one of the federal TRIO programs, VUB is committed to supporting veterans who are low-income and/or first-generation college students. We focus on removing barriers to higher education and creating a clear path to success.
Program
Elevate Your Academic Skills for College Success
VUB offers an extensive variety of services to help eligible veterans on their journey to post-secondary education, and all services and supplies are offered free of charge.
Academic
- Academic assessments to help tailor an individual learning plan.
- College level refreshers in reading, writing, math, science, and computer skills (AI focused).
- Tutoring and classroom-based instruction with a focus on placement test preparation.
- Advising and assistance with admission and enrollment into post-secondary institution.
Career
- Interests and skills assessments.
- Career exploration and discussion of related education requirements.
Financial Aid
- Assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Research and explanation of additional college financial aid options, including loans, grants, scholarships and state and federal military education benefits.
Community Building Events
- Wellness events like whitewater rafting trips.
- UM-Milwaukee campus event partnerships like Sisters in Service.
Access To Other Resources
- Student coffee lounge and private study space.
- Laptop loan program and computer lab.
- Referrals to community resources.
- Virtual options for our programming.
Eligibility
Participants must:
- Have at least 180 days of active-duty service, or
- If less than 180 days, must be released for medical reasons, or
- Be a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces called to active duty for a period of more than 30 days, or
- Be a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of a contingency operation on or after September 11, 2001.
- All discharges qualify except dishonorable.
- All participants must be either low-income (based on family income and number of dependents) or potential first-generation college students (neither parent earned a 4-year degree) or be a veteran at risk of academic failure.
- All participants must demonstrate academic potential as well as have academic need.
- All participants must have the desire and willingness to learn.
When To Apply?
The ideal time to begin the program is at least one semester before you want to start your college or vocational-technical classes.
The goal of this program is to prepare veterans for beginning, or returning to, post-secondary education.
Registration
If you are interested in joining the program but want more information before applying, please call our office at 414-251-0431.
Student Veteran Resources at UW-Milwaukee
The purpose of the VSOC program is to help military and veteran students and their qualified dependents make a smooth transition to college life, to successfully complete their educational programs, and to prepare to enter the labor market in viable careers.