Veterans Upward Bound, a designated support system

Between serving in the Army National Guard, and taking classes at Grand Valley State University towards a Finance and Marketing degree, Gabrielle Harrison understands the importance of having a designated support system in place for veterans and military service members in a college setting.

“I joined Veterans Upward Bound to have resources and people there that understand how the military works and that are there for me,” she said.

The staff at Veterans Upward Bound has helped Gabrielle by offering tutoring support that allowed her to pass a class that she struggled in. They also showed her what scholarships are available that she could apply for, and helped her through that process.

“My favorite part is the effort and help that I get from the members who work with me through whatever I need. I trust and respect everyone that I have come in contact with in the program,” she said.

Veterans Upward Bound is helping Gabrielle with her future goals, which includes graduating from college, and getting a job with a marketing analytics team at one of the many Fortune 500 companies that are in West Michigan.

Gabrielle encourages veterans and military service members to check out Veterans Upward Bound at Grand Valley State University.

“I would say, if you are considering joining the program, that it's been nothing but beneficial and helpful to me. You cannot go wrong with attending meetings or being in contact with people. Everyone you will meet is there to help you,” she said.

If you are a veteran or military service member, or know of one who could benefit from this program, please visit online  to learn more, or call (616) 331-8387 and one of the Veterans Upward Bound staff members will be happy to speak with you.