From service to success in SDSU’s military and veteran support programs

When Navy veteran Roy Foley separated from active duty, he had a new mission in mind: earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at San Diego State University. 

Now set to graduate next month, Foley already has secured a full-time job at General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems in Rancho Bernardo. 

Foley’s success is among many similar successes for the approximately 5,000 military-connected and veteran students enrolled in SDSU each year. 

“I'm already working on the next generation of the same electronic systems I maintained as a machinist in the Navy,” Foley said. “SDSU’s program didn’t just provide me with an excellent education, it launched me into my job before I even graduated.” 

Through such initiatives as the Military and Veterans Program (MVP) and Troops to Engineers (T2E), SDSU helps service members translate their military experience into academic achievement and civilian careers across a variety of industries.  

Foley credits his career breakthrough to a T2E networking event during his first year at SDSU, where he met his future manager at General Atomics.

“As an engineering student, I attended every T2E networking event I could,” he said. “In the very first event, I got connected to General Atomics and three internships later, I now have a job there as a mechanical engineer.” 

Foley’s road to academic success began before he started at SDSU, with the President’s President's Military Special Admission Program, which provides direct undergraduate admission for active-duty service members separating within six months.

Pathways 

The cornerstone for SDSU military-connected students is the MVP initiative, guiding students through their academic journey, from enrollment to educational support, paid internships and graduation. Last year, more than 1,200 MVP students earned degrees across a variety of majors and graduate programs. 

“Our experienced team offers expertise and guidance needed to help ensure education benefits and military-related scholarships are processed accurately, efficiently, and with personalized support,” said Elisa East, director of the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center.

Navigating Department of Veterans Affairs federal and state educational benefits, such as the GI Bill, is “an extensive process that is often the first barrier to achieving educational success,” said East, an SDSU alumna and Army veteran. 

The MVP supports students from every branch of the U.S. military, including active-duty, veterans, reservists, the National Guard, ROTC cadets and military family members, providing dedicated resources to help them thrive both academically and personally. 

For veterans interested in STEM careers, the T2E program offers a direct pathway to employment. It began in 2011 with an Office of Naval Research grant and 50 students and has since grown to nearly 600 veterans in STEM majors at SDSU.

Engineering students must apply and be accepted into the T2E program, where they receive extensive professional development, including resume building, networking and $30-per-hour paid internships at San Diego companies.

“Nine times out of ten, those internships lead to job offers for full-time employment before and after graduation,” said Joshua Imes, T2E program director, and an Army and National Guard veteran.

Additionally, up to 20 veterans are selected annually as engineering scholars.

High success

“The engineering scholars have a 100% success rate in obtaining full-time employment before graduation,” said Imes. 

The T2E program is entirely philanthropically funded, with industry leaders such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Collins Aerospace providing significant funding and internship opportunities. Smaller companies, SDSU alumni and other donors also are integral to the support of the program.

“Our goal is to support career development throughout our veterans’ education and get them into career jobs before or immediately after graduation,” Imes said.

The Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center serves as the central hub for military-connected students. The 4,000-square-foot facility in Student Services West houses the Jack McGrory Bunker, named for a Marine Corps veteran, SDSU alumnus and a longtime supporter of SDSU veterans and military-connected students and families.

The center evolved from a walk-up window in the Registrar’s Office in 2000 to become the first veterans center in the California State University system in 2008.

“As a veteran, I can honestly say that SDSU offers unmatched opportunities, resources and support to our veterans and military-connected students. It's top-notch on all levels,” Imes said.