In this impactful episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn Welsh and Dr. Hira welcome Chad Rairie, Executive Director of ValorAcademic, to discuss how his organization empowers veterans and military families to navigate and succeed in higher education. Chad, a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, Dartmouth graduate, and former senior policy advisor to the U.S. Department of Defense, shares his journey from military service to academia and his mission to improve educational outcomes for veterans.
Chad founded ValorAcademic in 2022 after years of informally mentoring veterans aiming for top colleges. The organization offers comprehensive, personalized advising that supports veterans at every stage of their educational journey—from selecting schools that align with their goals to navigating complex transfer credit processes. ValorAcademic’s services are available to all, with no veteran turned away due to financial limitations.
The discussion highlights the holistic approach ValorAcademic takes, addressing not only academic challenges but also personal and family considerations, such as relocation, childcare, and balancing education with military life. Chad emphasizes the need for institutions to better track veteran graduation rates, as the lack of accurate data often undermines efforts to improve educational success. Additionally, the organization extends its support to military spouses and dependents, providing tailored guidance for their unique challenges.
📌 Key Highlights:
- Chad’s Transition Journey: From being a college dropout to attending Dartmouth and mentoring fellow veterans.
- ValorAcademic’s Mission: Helping veterans and military families achieve their educational goals with a personalized, student-centered approach.
- Systemic Issues: The importance of tracking veteran graduation rates to provide data-driven support.
- Support for Military Families: Tailored advising for spouses and dependents navigating higher education.
- Practical Insights: How ValorAcademic addresses common challenges like transferring credits and adapting to academic life.
- Chad also shares his personal experience with the complexities of higher education, underlining the importance of understanding the "lingo" and processes involved. His insights are not only inspiring but provide actionable advice for veterans and their families seeking to make informed educational decisions.
🎧 Listen now to discover how ValorAcademic is changing the game for veterans in higher education.
🛠️ Actionable Takeaways:
- Explore the resources ValorAcademic provides to veterans and their families.
- Advocate for institutions to track and support veteran graduation rates.
- Reach out for personalized counseling to simplify the educational journey.
Don’t miss this episode if you or a loved one are considering furthering your education post-service! Subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more inspiring stories and resources. https://www.valoracademic.com/ #vetsos #VeteranEducation #HigherEdSuccess #MilitaryFamilies #ValorAcademic #VetSupport