Michigan Expands Veteran-Friendly Schools Program to Include

The expansion of the VFS program is a significant development in supporting veterans' education and career goals. **Registered apprenticeship programs** can now apply, recognizing the critical role apprenticeships play in helping veterans transition into high-demand fields. The program's eligibility criteria include any academic institution or training facility in Michigan eligible to receive veteran education benefits. The MVAA's efforts to support veterans are part of a broader initiative to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. [[veteran-friendly-schools|Veteran-Friendly Schools]] program is a key component of this initiative, providing recognition and support to institutions committed to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students.

• The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) has expanded its Veteran-Friendly Schools (VFS) program to include registered apprenticeship programs
• The application cycle for the 2026-2027 academic year is open until August 31, 2026
• Any academic institution or training facility in Michigan eligible to receive veteran education benefits can apply for the program
• The VFS program recognizes institutions committed to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students
• The program's expansion highlights the importance of career-connected education pathways for veterans

The VFS program's expansion is a **significant development** in supporting veterans' education and career goals. The inclusion of registered apprenticeship programs recognizes the importance of career-connected education pathways and will provide more opportunities for veterans to transition into high-demand fields. The program's eligibility criteria are clear, and any academic institution or training facility in Michigan eligible to receive veteran education benefits can apply. The MVAA's efforts to support veterans are part of a broader initiative to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. **The program's impact** will depend on the participation of academic institutions and training facilities, as well as the effectiveness of the MVAA's support services. [[veteran-friendly-schools|Veteran-Friendly Schools]] program is a key component of this initiative, providing recognition and support to institutions committed to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students.

The expansion of the VFS program is a **positive development** for veterans in Michigan, providing more opportunities for education and career advancement. The inclusion of registered apprenticeship programs recognizes the importance of career-connected education pathways and will help veterans transition into high-demand fields. This move demonstrates the MVAA's commitment to supporting veterans and making Michigan a great place for them to call home. **Joe Saur**, MVAA education analyst, notes that participating in the VFS program reflects a meaningful commitment to those who have served. The program's expansion is a step in the right direction, and its impact will be felt by veterans and military-connected students across the state. [[michigan-veterans-affairs-agency|Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency]] is leading the way in supporting veterans' education and career goals.

The expansion of the VFS program may **not be enough** to address the challenges faced by veterans in Michigan. While the inclusion of registered apprenticeship programs is a positive development, it may not provide sufficient opportunities for all veterans. The program's eligibility criteria may also be too narrow, excluding some institutions that could provide valuable support to veterans. Additionally, the MVAA's efforts to support veterans may be **insufficient** to address the broader systemic issues that affect veterans' education and career goals. **More needs to be done** to ensure that veterans have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. [[michigan-veterans-affairs-agency|Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency]] must continue to work to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, healthcare, and quality of life.

Originally reported by State of Michigan (.gov)