Alex Blake joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how Veterans Upward Bound supports veterans pursuing college, trade school, and certificate programs. As Program Director in Washington, D.C., Alex explains how this federally funded TRIO program helps first-generation and low-income veterans navigate education, access resources, and build community.

In this episode, we explore:
• How Veterans Upward Bound supports veterans before and during school
• Eligibility requirements and services provided at no cost
• Why education access is a critical transition issue
• How veterans can find a local Veterans Upward Bound program

Whether you're navigating military transition, returning to school later in life, or searching for education support beyond the GI Bill, this episode provides clear, actionable guidance.

Alex Blake is the Program Director for Veterans Upward Bound of Washington, D.C. With a background in public health and education access, she is a national advocate for veteran education programs and expanding opportunity for underserved veteran populations.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. — Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. — Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranEducation #LearningLifeline #VeteransUpwardBound #MilitaryTransition #HigherEducation #VeteranResources #TRIO #FirstGenVeterans #EducationSupport #GrabTheLifeline

Description:
Scott Brower joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran transition, higher education, and how service-based academic models help veterans thrive beyond the uniform.

In this episode, we explore:
• Why military transition can be challenging—even for senior leaders
• How purpose and service drive veteran fulfillment after retirement
• The mission and impact of the Bass Military Scholars Program
• Why universities benefit from integrating veteran experiences

Whether you're navigating military transition, pursuing graduate education, or supporting veterans on campus, this conversation delivers clear, actionable insights you can use today.

About the Guest:
Brigadier General (Ret.) Scott Brower is the Director of the Bass Military Scholars Program at Vanderbilt University. A career Army Special Forces officer, he now dedicates his work to helping veterans succeed in advanced education while continuing their legacy of service.

Grab the Lifeline:
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, service members, and military spouses with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:
VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. – Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. – Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)

Connect with VET S.O.S.:
Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#LearningLifeline #VETSOS #VeteranEducation #MilitaryTransition #VeteransInCollege #HigherEducation #VeteranPurpose #GraduateSchool #GrabTheLifeline

Description:
Michael “Mac” McAndrew joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how technical education and workforce-aligned training create powerful career outcomes for veterans and military families. Drawing on over 20 years of Air Force Special Warfare experience and his current leadership role at Texas State Technical College, Mac shares insights on education, transition, and purpose after service.

In this episode, we explore:
• Veteran transition challenges and redefining post-military value
• Why technical colleges are critical to today’s workforce economy
• Hazelwood Act and GI Bill strategies for Texas veterans
• How industry partnerships drive job placement and earnings

Whether you're navigating military transition, pursuing hands-on careers, or looking for education that leads directly to employment, this conversation provides clear, actionable guidance.

About the Guest:
Michael “Mac” McAndrew is a retired U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Operator and Senior Director of Military and Veterans Services at Texas State Technical College, where he leads statewide veteran education and workforce initiatives.

Grab the Lifeline:
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, service members, and military spouses with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:
VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. — Operation Startup
VET S.O.S. — Learning Lifeline

Connect with VET S.O.S.:
Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #LearningLifeline #VeteranEducation #MilitaryTransition #TechnicalCareers #TradeSchool #VeteranSupport #WorkforceDevelopment #GIbill #GrabTheLifeline