Earn your college degree by mentoring inner-city youth within the Metro West Community in Orlando, Florida. As a veteran, you have the skills to serve as a role model and have a passion for positive community development.
Soldiers to Scholars (STS) is a community-based program where student Veterans who have either exhausted or want to save their VA Educational Benefits while pursuing their degree. Known as the “Walking School Bus,” STS Mentors safely escort elementary children to and from the Metro West Apartment Community to Eagle’s Nest Elementary School. Additionally, mentors provide after-school programs focused on creating pathways for the elementary children to achieve their educational goals.
Soldiers to Scholars (STS); was established in 1995, the idea of Dr. Alzo J. Reddick (U.S. Army ’61-64), former Assistant Vice President for University Relations and Director of Defense Transition Services. His concept was to create a unique program designed to recruit honorably discharged veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces to work with inner-city youth.
The mission of Soldiers to Scholars (STS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is to create an enriching and inclusive environment for student veterans and elementary students to achieve and succeed academically. The purpose is to provide elementary aged students with role models and mentors so they can achieve their dreams while preparing student veterans for their new career.