Forward by Susan C. Kemnitzer

Abstract

In August 2009, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched the implementation of new legislation to expand educational benefits for veterans of the U.S. armed forces who served on active duty after September 1, 2001. At the same time, experts reported serious concerns about the future adequacy of the U.S. engineering and science workforce. The post-9/11 veteran’s educational benefit opened the door to an unparalleled opportunity for the United States to expand its technical workforce while serving those who served. Post-9/11 veterans include a diverse and pre-qualified pool of future talent for the nation’s engineering and science employers; 15 percent are women and over 30 percent are underrepresented minorities. The new benefit will expand the financial opportunities available to help them pursue their post-secondary education.