BRYN MAWR, Pa., Jan. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs announced today that it has reached a major milestone, surpassing the $1 million mark in total scholarships awarded to military veterans.
Since it was founded in 2012, the Center has awarded 172 full scholarships to veterans and their spouses seeking graduate degrees and certifications in financial planning, retirement, insurance, wealth transfer, leadership and management, and banking at The American College of Financial Services.
With 70 scholarships awarded in just the last 12 months – a 100 percent increase from the previous year – the program is experiencing unprecedented interest, says Ted Digges, Executive Director of the Center.
"This explosive growth and million dollar milestone would not be possible without the generous support of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, more than 30 other financial services organizations, and dozens of individual donors," he said. "With this financial backing, we are grateful to be able to not only help so many deserving veterans pursue careers in financial services, but also infuse the industry with diverse and top-notch talent."
While the core purpose of the program is to support those individuals who are ready to transfer from active duty to a second career, scholarships have been awarded to a wide variety of students. Past and present recipients range in age from 19 to 77, and come from all walks of life.
What they have in common is a skillset unique to military veterans and one that translates to successful financial careers.
"Military veterans are such a good fit in this industry because of the culture they come from and the skills they develop while they serve," Digges said. "Their leadership, work ethic, integrity, and attention to detail are all traits that clients demand."
For the third consecutive year, The American College has been named a Military Friendly School® for its commitment to helping military students succeed in the classroom and after graduation. In another recent development, The College and Center announced a new program, called the Veteran Placement Initiative, which connects talented veteran scholars to a broad network of partners representing some of the nation's leading financial institutions. Fittingly, the announcement was made this past Veterans Day.
"When a veteran receives a scholarship from The American College, it's like they're joining a family," Digges said. "Our mission is not just the educational support; it's also helping to find those career opportunities upon graduation."
Scholarships cover all expenses during the time of study, including registration, textbooks, and the cost of examinations. To learn more about scholarship opportunities for veterans and their spouses, visit Veterans.TheAmericanCollege.edu.
About The American College of Financial Services
The American College of Financial Services is the nation's largest non-profit educational institution devoted to financial services. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has served as a valued business partner to banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and others since 1927. The American College faculty represents some of the financial services industry's foremost thought leaders. For more information, visit TheAmericanCollege.edu.
About The American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs
The American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs provides educational support and career opportunities to eligible men, women, and their spouses who have served in the armed services of the United States. To learn more about the Center and scholarship opportunities, visit Veterans.TheAmericanCollege.edu.
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SOURCE The American College
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