welcome Chad Rairie, Executive Director of ValorAcademic, to discuss how

his organization empowers veterans and military families to navigate

and succeed in higher education. Chad, a U.S. Marine Corps combat

veteran, Dartmouth graduate, and former senior policy advisor to the

U.S. Department of Defense, shares his journey from military service to

academia and his mission to improve educational outcomes for veterans.
Chad

founded ValorAcademic in 2022 after years of informally mentoring

veterans aiming for top colleges. The organization offers comprehensive,

personalized advising that supports veterans at every stage of their

educational journey—from selecting schools that align with their goals

to navigating complex transfer credit processes. ValorAcademic’s

services are available to all, with no veteran turned away due to

financial limitations.
The discussion highlights the holistic

approach ValorAcademic takes, addressing not only academic challenges

but also personal and family considerations, such as relocation,

childcare, and balancing education with military life. Chad emphasizes

the need for institutions to better track veteran graduation rates, as

the lack of accurate data often undermines efforts to improve

educational success. Additionally, the organization extends its support

to military spouses and dependents, providing tailored guidance for

their unique challenges.
📌 Key Highlights:
- Chad’s Transition Journey: From being a college dropout to attending Dartmouth and mentoring fellow veterans.
-

ValorAcademic’s Mission: Helping veterans and military families achieve

their educational goals with a personalized, student-centered approach.
- Systemic Issues: The importance of tracking veteran graduation rates to provide data-driven support.
- Support for Military Families: Tailored advising for spouses and dependents navigating higher education.
- Practical Insights: How ValorAcademic addresses common challenges like transferring credits and adapting to academic life.
-

Chad also shares his personal experience with the complexities of

higher education, underlining the importance of understanding the

"lingo" and processes involved. His insights are not only inspiring but

provide actionable advice for veterans and their families seeking to

make informed educational decisions.
🎧 Listen now to discover how ValorAcademic is changing the game for veterans in higher education.
🛠️ Actionable Takeaways:
- Explore the resources ValorAcademic provides to veterans and their families.
- Advocate for institutions to track and support veteran graduation rates.
- Reach out for personalized counseling to simplify the educational journey.

Don’t miss this episode if you or a loved one are considering furthering

your education post-service! Subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more inspiring

stories and resources.

https://www.valoracademic.com/

#vetsos #VeteranEducation #HigherEdSuccess #MilitaryFamilies #ValorAcademic #VetSupport