PLNU SVA urges Congress on education policy during Washington Week

Student veterans met in Washington, D.C., earlier this month to meet with members of Congress to advocate for veterans’ education needs. For the first time, Point Loma Nazarene University’s Student Veterans of America chapter was able to attend.

Washington Week, an annual advocacy event that brings SVA chapters from around the country to the nation’s capital, is a chance for student veterans to make their voices heard. From March 2-4, members shared their experiences with elected officials on issues within the SVA, including funding, outdated work-study programs and a need for Student Veteran Success Centers.

Jerome Brown, PLNU SVA’s chapter president and a fourth-year business administration major, pushed for the opportunity. He said he brought the idea to Marieanne Paulson with PLNU’s Student Financial and Military Services, who then collaborated with the university for available funding. 

Paulson said the effort to get PLNU representatives to the event was made possible through the support of the university and a push for funding from the Military Services Department, which had enough for three members to attend.

“Our goal was to create access to a national experience that allows our student veterans to engage in policy conversations, connect with other institutions, and represent PLNU on a broader stage,” she said in a text message interview. 

Brown, an eight-year Navy veteran, said his goal for the chapter has been to “leave it better than [he] found it.”

The urge to attend Washington Week stemmed from core policy issues that he felt needed to be addressed, notably a need for a veteran resource center at PLNU.

During the trip, Brown, Jose Gracia, a third-year graphic design major, and Adam “Bubba” Smith, a second-year business management major, visited the Capitol building, the White House and the SVA National Headquarters. 

Gracia, a 20-year Navy veteran, said he believes their advocacy was successful. 

Networking with other chapter members was meaningful and “helped reinforce the message that these issues matter,” he told The Point.

“Despite our different backgrounds and locations, we found a shared purpose in advocating for our peers,” Gracia said in a LinkedIn post from March 7.

One policy they presented to Congress was a need for an increase in the Post-9/11 GI Bill book stipend to aid student veterans with the rising costs of textbooks and other educational requirements.

They also advocated for an update to the VA Work-Study program, which is an initiative for education benefits to earn a part-time, tax-free hourly wage while attending school. Gracia said that a downside is that the jobs often do not align with the student’s choice of study.

“For a student like me in the creative and marketing fields, having a work-study position that aligns with my academic path is vital,” Gracia said in the LinkedIn post.

The third policy area they advocated for was the importance of Student Veteran Success Centers, which is a place to help with areas like career services and academics. Student veterans asked for support for the Veteran Education Empowerment Act, which provides grants to help schools like PLNU establish one.

Smith, a four-year Navy veteran, said it was an eye-opening experience to be a part of paving the way for change.

“It was a very surreal experience,” he said in a text message interview. “It’s an honor to have gone and spoken to the congressman, senators, and white-house staff to change the lives of current and future student veterans.”

Brown said he thought the congressional hearing, advocating for veteran support and a dedicated resource center, was a success. He plans to meet with Congressman Scott Peters to provide solutions on how PLNU SVA can receive more support locally.

Brown’s ultimate goal is deeper, though — to give a voice for student veterans who are struggling, especially older members. He said there’s a “battle of being unseen,” and he wants the chapter to be a place of belonging.

The small crew returned to San Diego with goals to improve specific areas of student veteran education at PLNU, including professional certification, increased funding to continue attending Washington Week and stronger support systems.

“[Student veterans] are looking for meaningful opportunities to strengthen their value in the job market, support their families, and transition successfully into civilian careers,” Gracia said.