Raytheon announced this week a new $5 million, multiyear commitment to Student Veterans of America (SVA) to help military veterans succeed in higher education and beyond.
With nearly 1,300 chapters representing over 460,000 veterans in higher education, the mission of SVA is to provide our nation’s military veterans with the resources, support and advocacy needed to succeed in post-service life through higher education and professional development.
The expanded partnership — providing resources, support and advocacy — is part of Raytheon’s $10 million commitment to military veterans, personnel and families, the defense contractor said.
“With a new generation of veterans transitioning back to civilian lives, the investment will empower student veterans to reach their higher education and career goals, particularly in high-demand fields like science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Raytheon said.
Raytheon said its “latest infusion reinforces the commitment it has demonstrated toward the expansion of SVA’s national infrastructure, helping chapters grow and flourish. On campuses and in local communities, SVA helps to develop science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and mentorship programs, and supports student veterans in the transition from campus to career.”
"The commitment, discipline, focus and overall leadership developed by our veterans in service to our country provide a strong foundation for academic and professional success in civilian life," said Raytheon Chairman and CEO Thomas A. Kennedy. "It is our hope that through our expanded partnership with SVA, we will be able to help a new generation of veterans connect their service to rewarding careers."
SVA’s nearly 1,300 chapters, run by and for student veterans in all 50 states and four countries, is the world’s largest network of student veteran groups. Raytheon’s investment and partnership will help SVA’s efforts to double the number of chapters nationally.
"America’s employers, such as Raytheon, have long understood the value a military veteran brings to the workforce. When combined with the civilian credential of a degree or certificate, military veterans are an unstoppable force that can drive the U.S. economy," said SVA President and CEO D. Wayne Robinson. "We are thrilled to have Raytheon as a thought partner, helping to cultivate this country’s top talent: educated military veterans."
The partnership is aimed at creating tools for chapter sustainability as well as promoting growth, while investing directly in programs that support student veterans on campus. It will also allow SVA to continue its support of student veterans as they graduate, become alumni members, and transition to in-demand, high-growth careers.
Raytheon and SVA first joined forces in November 2012, and have previously partnered on a number of scholarship programs. Among those are the Raytheon-SVA Scholarship, presented to student veterans who have demonstrated leadership in their local communities and are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in engineering fields; and the Raytheon Patriot Scholarship, awarded to US Army student veterans pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited university.
