Document Type

Poster

Date

4-9-2026

Keywords

Veterans, Students, Research, Experiential learning

Campus Community

Center for Health Behavior Research and Innovation; College of Arts and Sciences; Veteran and Military Behavioral Health Collaborative; D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families; School of Social Work; School of Education; Department of Public Health; Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs; Syracuse University

Language

English

Funder(s)

D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, Center for Health Behavior, Veteran and Military Behavioral Health Collaborative

Disciplines

Military and Veterans Studies

Description/Abstract

Introduction: The Syracuse University Veteran & Military Learning Scholars Program (SU-VMLSP) is an immersive, cohort-based initiative designed to expand access to veteran and military studies through experiential learning, structured mentorship, and community engagement. A collaborative effort of the Center for Health Behavior Research & Innovation and the IVMF Veteran & Military Behavioral Health Collaborative, SU-VMLSP supports and engages student veterans, military-connected students, and students with academic or professional interests in veteran and military populations. Methods: The program is structured around three core pillars: interactive seminars, immersive research engagement, and community-centered cohort development. Scholars participate in discussion-based seminars focused on veteran and military studies, including topics such as PTSD, trauma exposure, suicide prevention, hazardous duty, sleep, and substance use. In parallel, students are embedded in hands-on research teams conducting systematic reviews, veteran behavioral health survey research, large national dataset acquisition and analysis, and science dissemination initiatives. This integrated design promotes research literacy, critical thinking, and early professionalization within the field of veteran and military studies. Results: The SU-VMLSP currently includes a cohort of 10 Scholars working across teams. Two student veterans are active members of the cohort, contributing lived experience alongside academic engagement. Scholars are developing conference presentations and science communication products while building collaborative relationships with university and VA partners. Together, these activities illustrate the programs emphasis on experiential learning, belonging, and structured mentorship in action. Conclusions: Implications include the development of a scalable, evidence-informed model for integrating veteran and military studies with immersive research training and cohort-based community design. By combining academic rigor with intentional support for belonging and identity development, the SU-VMLSP offers a replicable framework for institutions seeking to strengthen educational pathways and research engagement among veteran and military-connected students.

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