UW Bothell initiative aims to help veterans succeed as students

The University of Washington’s Bothell campus is upping it’s comittment to help military veterans succeed as students.

UW Bothell Chancellor Wolf Yeigh announced an expansion of veteran services on Thursday, called the Veterans Life Initiative, and signed a memorandum continuing the campus’ membership with a statewide coalition dedicated to supporting veterans on college campuses.

“This will be our battle plan to increase support for veterans on campus and their families,” Yeigh said.

Yeigh himself is a Navy veteran who returned to school after four years of active duty and remained in the reserves through school. About 250 UW Bothell students are eligible for veteran benefits.

An initiative task force of student veterans, faculty, staff and alumni will recommend programming and processes to be incorporated into UW Bothell’s Diversity Action Plan.

One example, already in progress, would provide grants for veterans to intern in cybersecurity positions through the UW Bothell-based Center for Information Assurance and Cybersecurity.

Alfie Alvarado-Ramos, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, also signed the memorandum.