The Shorthorn - Assistant professor to fund aid program out of pocket

Assistant professor to fund aid program out of pocket

Written by Larissa M. Robinson

Tuesday, 29 July 2008 09:07 PM

A School of Social Work pilot research program created to increase veteran assistance services will need additional funds for its second phase this fall.

Alexa Smith-Osborne, principal investigator and social work assistant professor, said the pilot program was funded by a grant awarded through the university’s Research Enhancement Program. It expires Sept. 1, she said. Jennifer Rooth, who works in the university’s Veterans Benefits Office, said the office assists Smith-Osborne with finding volunteers by telling students about the study. Rooth said the office helps veterans find resources to attend school and that the study is essential.

“The program actually helps and makes services available that we aren’t aware of,” she said.

The second phase of the program will expand the pilot study into the community. The team will accept community veteran volunteers to assess their service needs.

Smith-Osborne said there are several reasons why many veterans don’t finish their education after completing military duties including, financial, mental, physical and emotional issues.

She said veterans are not traditional students and that there are 500-700 veterans on campus at any time.

“According to the previous research, Desert Storm veterans had an average education attainment of 14 years,” she said. “We want to further educational attainment and facilitate resilient readjustment to civilian life.”
Views: 617 | E-mail

Be first to comment this article

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 20 January 2009 03:40 PM )

Next >

[ Back ]