Veterans Upward Bound | TRIO & Pre-College Programs

Welcome to Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a transformative TRIO Program proudly funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Our mission is to empower qualified military veterans, equipping them with the skills and support needed to embark on a successful college journey in postsecondary institutions, including universities, community colleges, and vocational/technical programs.

🎓 What We Offer: Veterans Upward Bound provides comprehensive assistance to veterans through basic skills instruction, educational guidance, and career advising. Our dedicated team is committed to helping veterans achieve their academic goals and navigate the path to higher education.

🌟 Our Goals: At UWM VUB, we strive to:

Promote Development and Opportunities: We are dedicated to unlocking the full potential of veterans, fostering their growth, and creating opportunities for success in their academic pursuits.
Create a Supportive Veteran Community: VUB recognizes the unique needs of veterans. We provide an environment where veterans can learn alongside their peers, sharing experiences and understanding each other’s challenges. We are passionate about fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among our veteran community, recreating the bonds formed during military service.
Respect for Adult Learners: Every veteran is valued as an adult learner. We appreciate the commitment and sacrifice each veteran has made in service to our country.
Career Guidance: Our focus goes beyond academic success. We assist veterans in identifying the right career path based on their abilities and disabilities, ensuring a fulfilling and purposeful post-military life.

🌐 Fostering Community: Veterans Upward Bound at UWM is not just about education; it’s about recreating the sense of camaraderie that veterans formed during their service. We understand the importance of community, and we are committed to providing a supportive and collaborative environment where veterans can connect, share stories, and build lasting friendships.

🎓 Impactful Results: With over 1,950 veterans graduating from colleges nationwide, Veterans Upward Bound programs have a proven track record of success. We take pride in being a catalyst for positive change in the lives of veterans, helping them achieve their educational and career aspirations.

Join us on this empowering journey at UWM VUB, where we are committed to supporting veterans in reaching new heights, fostering community, and creating a brighter future. Your success and camaraderie are our mission! 🇺🇸🎓 #UWMVUB #VeteransEducation #EmpoweringVeterans #VeteranCommunity

Message from our Director

Carlos Munoz, Director

Transitioning from Military service can seem complicated and overwhelming, but it is not impossible. It is my task as the Director of Veterans Upward Bound (VUB), to help our veterans transition smoothly into life’s next chapter. We advocate for our service members. We are committed to building partnerships that empower our veterans’ community. I understand transitional struggles, and my experiences fuel my passion for helping service members, veterans, and their families.

At Veterans Upward Bound, we aim to empower our veterans with the necessary resources to transition, enroll, and obtain a proper education successfully. At VUB, we will coach, mentor and help you master your life’s next chapter as a student-veteran and community member.

We believe in a holistic approach to serving our veterans and implement care through wrap-around services. That means we are a one-stop shop with the assistance of community partners to address all your needs promptly. We provide our veterans with the resources needed to emerge from food insecurity; find successful employment; access stable housing; and facilitate educational training and workshops. In addition, we are helping our participants reach their goals and succeed at all levels. With more than 20 years of service in Milwaukee County, Racine County, Waukesha County, and Washington County, VUB has touched the lives of over 2,800 veterans and their families in real-time.

Our values derive from U.S. Military Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selflessness, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Simultaneously Encouraging Personal & Professional Development. I believe these Principles will assist the growth of the state’s economy by providing skilled workers to the labor force and increasing the number of responsible citizens returning from military service.

If what we do at VUB resonates with you, I invite you to join us. We are always looking for skilled people to grow our mission.

Carlos Munoz
Director
Veterans Upward Bound

What We Offer

Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is a free educational program for qualified, honorably discharged veterans who meet the eligibility requirements.

VUB offers a wide array of services and activities to meet veterans’ individual educational needs and aspirations.

College preparation instruction and tutoring for math and English skills improvement
Instruction in other subjects: science, foreign languages, computer skills, study skills, and financial literacy
Preparation and testing for academic placement exams with Comfit software
Individualized career assessment and planning
Application assistance: financial aid, veterans education benefits, Joint Services Transcript
GED/HSED assistance
Advisement and assistance with college admission and enrollment steps
Access to other resources: study area, computer lab, student coffee lounge
Referrals to additional college and community resources

VUB Students/participants have the opportunity to attend our annual:

Navy Pier field trip
VA Beats & Eats picnic
Veterans Day luncheon
Veterans Upward Bound completion ceremony

Application

Fill out our application online.
If you are interested in joining the program but want more information before applying, please call our office at 414-251-0431.

Class Schedule

📚 Elevate Your Academic Skills for College Success with VUB!

At VUB, we understand the importance of solid academic foundations for your college journey. Whether you’re gearing up for the challenges of math, English, or more, we offer a flexible and comprehensive program designed to refresh and develop your skills.

Day and Evening Options, Both In-Person and Virtual: We know life is busy, so we’ve got you covered with a schedule that suits your needs. VUB provides both day and evening sessions, available in-person and virtually. This flexibility ensures you can access instruction and tutoring in a way that works best for you.

Tailored Skills Development: Our dedicated staff is here to guide you on a personalized journey. Through a thorough assessment of your test results, educational background, and career aspirations, we create a customized program of skills development. This tailored approach addresses your individualized needs and sets you on the path to success.

Flexible Learning Options: We understand that your schedule is unique, and that’s why VUB is committed to providing flexible learning options. We make every effort to arrange instruction and tutoring sessions that accommodate your schedule and time commitments. Your education should work for you, and we’re here to make that happen.

Join us at VUB and embark on a journey to sharpen your academic skills, setting the stage for a successful college experience. Let’s work together to achieve your educational and career goals!

Online Learning

Veterans Upward Bound offers online learning as an option to our classroom instruction or for additional academic skills development. Learn at any time and access from any computer.

College-Level English Prep

ComFit Learning Center–Grammar and Reading

The ComFit Online Learning Center helps students master the basics of English grammar.

Personal Tutoring

During scheduled office hours, our math and English instructors are available for additional support to provide further instruction and help students with math and English questions. Contact us for further information.

Brochures

Download the Veterans Upward Bound Brochure.

Services and Resources