On this edition of Next Steps Forward, Chris Meek speaks with Michaela Rubinfeld and CSM Andraus L. Williams, both recipients of the SoldierScholar academic scholarship provided by the national veteran-focused nonprofit SoldierStrong, co-founded and chaired by Meek, to fill in gaps left by the G.I. bill for veterans continuing their education. Michaela Rubinfeld, an All-Source Analyst in the United States Air Force Reserves, is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Foreign Service at Georgetown University with a concentration in Science, Technology, and International Affairs. She discusses the greater need for more women in the STEM field, what we need to do to get more women involved in STEM, why she believes women should pursue careers in international service and how we can attract more women to not only foreign services but also to the specialized field of international intelligence and analysis. CSM Andraus L. Williams has been the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Camp Roberts Garrison Training Center since October 2020, where he serves as the principal military advisor on all enlisted matters affecting training, utilization, health of the force, and enlisted professional development. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California (USC). CSM Williams will speak about his experience in both the military and in the military police, the importance of education, what he is currently getting out of the program at USC and what he wants to do with his education after he graduates. He will also speak about how education breeds leadership and why Americans look to those who are educated when they look for leaders.