Employment & Education

THE FUTURE OF VIRTUAL LEARNING

In September 2021, The American Legion issued a grant-supported report that recommends VA and the Department of Education clear up definitions, rules and outdated references for GI Bill-using veterans and military-affiliated students enrolled in online programs. Virtual learning had been arcing upward even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is estimated that more than 4 million U.S. college students are taking courses online. “Opening Doors Online: Access, Accountability and Excellence in Veteran Distance Learning” recommends rewriting outdated rules and definitions of “independent study” to allow students to use their benefits for online courses and blended programs.

Among the initiatives of The American Legion’s Veterans Employment & Education Commission is the drive to increase veteran entrepreneurship, primarily by protecting and expanding government contracting opportunities. Recent data shows that more than 1.8 million veteran-owned small businesses contribute to over $1.2 trillion each year in total business sales, but those numbers are trending downward.

The Legion also continues to participate in virtual career fairs to help ensure veterans and transitioning servicemembers find employment opportunities despite pandemic-influenced restrictions.

The American Legion remains committed to addressing the issue of veteran homelessness, working with VA and other organizations to find solutions. Among those avenues is advocacy for the HUD-VASH program, which combines rental assistance via HUD with case management and clinical service provided by VA.

Then-Texas Membership & Post Activities Chairman Bret Watson talks to veterans during a Mega Career Fair at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. Photo by Ben Mikesell

4,625

Veterans placed in jobs through American Legion local assistance last year

1,117

American Legion posts that participated in veteran career fairs in 2021

869

Employers who participated in virtual and in-person career fairs with the Department of Texas in 2021, engaging approximately 2,150 job seekers