The Military Community Advocates program empowers military-connected student leaders 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. Through the MCA program, student leaders are empowered to design and implement initiatives that benefit military-connected students. By fostering a culture of inclusion, Advocates help universities celebrate and support the success of those who have served our country.
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.