Student Veterans of America Celebrates Introduction of VA Work-Study Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 25, 2023) – SVA applauds Congressman Cartwright’s recent introduction of two SVA-backed, bipartisan bills that would make comprehensive improvements to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work-study program—an important source of financial support for student veterans and other military-affiliated students in higher education.

“Together, the bipartisan Student Veteran Work-Study Modernization Act and the VA Work-Study Improvement Act, with the latter first conceived by VFW-SVA Fellow John Randolph, would make critical updates to the program, allowing more students to qualify, expanding the types of activities students can pursue, and increasing pay, among other improvements…”

Justin Hauschild, Policy Counsel

The Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act would:

• Expand the pool of students eligible for VA Work-Study to those attending half-time in addition to those attending three-quarters time.
• Require VA to collect vital data on the program to help us learn how it serves participants.

The VA Work-Study Improvement Act would:

• Expand the types of qualifying activities that participants can pursue, with the goal of helping them better align their work with their academic and professional goals.
• Increase pay for many participants.
• Modernize the time-keeping process.
• Require VA to publish critical data on the program every year.

SVA’s Official Statement:

“VA Work-Study can provide critical financial support throughout student veterans’ higher education journeys. Still, the program has fallen out of step with the needs and goals of today’s student veterans, military-connected students, families, and survivors. Together, the bipartisan Student Veteran Work-Study Modernization Act and the VA Work-Study Improvement Act, with the latter first conceived by VFW-SVA Fellow John Randolph, would make critical updates to the program, allowing more students to qualify, expanding the types of activities students can pursue, and increasing pay, among other improvements,” said Justin Hauschild, Policy Counsel at Student Veterans of America (SVA). “We applaud Congressman Cartwright for his steadfast leadership on this issue and for championing these common-sense bills.”

Learn more about SVA’s government affairs work at https://studentveterans.org/government-affairs.

About Student Veterans of America
With a focused mission on empowering student veterans, Student Veterans of America® (SVA) is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through a dedicated network of nearly 1,600 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and 4 countries representing more than 750,000 student veterans, SVA aims to inspire yesterday’s warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of like-minded chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. For more information, visit us at www.studentveterans.org.