Syracuse Sun

This summer, ten student veterans from the University community secured internships across the country with support from the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) Internship Award. These opportunities, often out of reach for post-traditional students, provided hands-on experience that will enhance their post-graduation career prospects.

The OVMA created this award to remove barriers that often prevent student veterans from accessing internships. The needs-based award covers the cost of one internship credit hour, travel and living expenses, or both, with a maximum award of $5,000 per student. This initiative is part of Syracuse University's ongoing efforts to support student veterans and ensure their success in the job market.

“Student veterans often face the difficult choice between pursuing full-time summer studies or finding seasonal work to meet their financial needs,” says Jennifer Pluta, director of Veterans Career Services with the OVMA. “It’s challenging to focus on securing internships when financial concerns are pressing. Since its launch, the Internship Award has successfully helped 24 of our student veterans gain valuable job experience, giving them a significant advantage in the job market.”

According to the University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, more than 650,000 veterans nationwide are currently pursuing higher education with employment as a primary goal after graduation. Initiatives like OVMA’s Internship Award help bridge this gap by providing practical experience and networking opportunities essential for career advancement.

At Syracuse University, students across all schools and degree levels have access to resources that help them find internships in their chosen fields. However, student veterans who juggle complex schedules and financial responsibilities can find it particularly challenging to participate in internships. The OVMA’s Internship Award helps alleviate these challenges by providing financial support.

“Since its start, the internship award program has grown tremendously,” says Ron Novack, OVMA’s executive director. “We are committed to expanding this program even further.”

This year saw military-connected students secure internships across various industries including government agencies and tech companies. These experiences ranged from working on policy initiatives in government roles to contributing to innovative projects in tech sectors.

Laurie N. Coffey G’25 is a U.S. Navy veteran now studying law at Syracuse University’s College of Law. She interned at the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office this summer thanks to receiving an OVMA scholarship.

“Receiving the scholarship allowed me to take a position that was unpaid and in public service,” Coffey says.

Curtis Cline ’25 is a senior majoring in aerospace engineering at Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science and a U.S. Army veteran who completed three combat tours. He interned at Griffiss Institute this summer.

“A lesson I gained during my internship is the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration,” Cline says.

Marriler Wilson G’25 is pursuing a master’s degree at Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs while serving as an Air Force National Guard veteran focusing on security forces and base defense alongside being a traffic enforcer with NYPD. Wilson interned at Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) this summer.

“One particularly memorable experience occurred on my second day when I visited Capitol Hill,” Wilson says.

The OVMA Internship Award application period runs from September through May 31st each year.