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ALLENDALE, Mich. -- Grand Valley State University (GVSU) has introduced the GVSU Military Promise, a program designed to support current and former U.S. Armed Forces members in their educational pursuits. Announced during a Veterans Day luncheon, the program guarantees admission to all service members who have committed to serve, are serving, or have honorably served. Additionally, it provides a $500 per-semester tuition grant for those on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard.
GVSU President Philomena Mantella emphasized the university's commitment to supporting military members, stating, "To anyone who has been involved in military service – whether they are making a commitment to go out, or they are serving and they are coming back to school, or they have completed their service – those students will have an admission slot at Grand Valley."
The initiative is an expansion of existing programs such as the Veterans Advance, Michigan Veteran Entrepreneurship-Lab, and the Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Program, which provide resources and support to veteran students. Shane Scherer, director of the Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Resource Center, highlighted the importance of expanding educational access for military veterans, who make up a significant portion of adult learners in higher education.
Currently, 428 active duty or retired military members are enrolled at GVSU. The program aims to further increase this number by providing more opportunities for veterans to pursue higher education. The GVSU Military Promise is part of a broader effort to enhance educational access in West Michigan, similar to the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship, which offers tuition-free associate’s degrees to eligible students.