OUR GOAL: Tap the talent, skills and ingenuity of military-connected students to drive change on campuses across the country
MILITARY COMMUNITY ADVOCATES
The NVLF’s Military Community Advocates (MCAs) are student leaders dedicated to strengthening and supporting the military-connected student population. Their efforts create a more inclusive campus environment and enhance the higher education experience for these students. In 2022, NVLF launched the MCA scholarship program nationally, funding 46 students at 11 universities. By 2024, the program expanded to 16 campuses with more than 75 Advocates nationwide.
Each Advocate serves for a year, dedicating 4-6 hours per week to their role. They receive a service scholarship and access to project funds, along with NVLF-provided programming and support to maximize the program’s impact. NVLF offers counsel and assistance to campus military-veteran office directors, providing a program toolkit to help launch and sustain these initiatives. Advocates participate in national NVLF programming, including Career Workshops and virtual All Advocate meetings, fostering networking and learning opportunities.
Advocates are placed in various campus departments, offices, and colleges, developing innovative programs and events to serve, engage, and support military-connected students. Acting as “force multipliers,” they extend the reach and impact of military-veteran offices. Serving as an Advocate enables military-connected students to significantly impact campus life, providing valuable resume experiences that enhance their future career prospects.
Advocates have improved campus policies on military service, created suicide prevention programs, expanded veteran recruiting, established mentoring initiatives, organized community-building events, and sponsored trauma-informed writing projects. Each Advocate identifies the most significant difference they can make and is empowered to act.
Through their efforts, Advocates earn service scholarships and gain resume experiences that prepare them for future career success. By transforming the college experience for military-connected students, NVLF Advocates are making a profound impact on thousands of students committed to serving their country.
If you are interested in becoming a Military Community Advocate, please contact your campus’ Military and Veterans Services office.
NVLF LEADERSHIP FELLOWS
The prestigious NVLF Leadership Fellowship program recognizes and supports top military-connected students on National Partners campuses across America. This program combines virtual and in-person events to assist veterans and other service-related students as they transition into leadership roles on their campuses. As part of the fellowship, Leadership Fellows attend the annual NVLF Leadership Forum—a three-day, in-person, all-expense-paid leadership development workshop.
2024 NVLF LEADERSHIP FELLOWS
The 2024 Fellows participated in an intensive three-day workshop in Columbus, Ohio, designed to enhance their leadership and communication skills. We commend the Fellows for their dedication to serving the military community on campus and eagerly anticipate the positive impact they will make in the future. Click here to learn more.