• Release Date:
• Thursday, June 04, 2009
• Dateline (city):
• Washington, D.C.
• Contact:
• Kathryn Prael
  202-225-4765
  202-329-7341

Washington, DC – Congressman John Adler introduced a bipartisan resolution this week urging universities nationwide to seek membership in the Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) Consortium. The Consortium allows service members to enroll in a participating school and continue their bachelor and graduate-level degree programs on school campuses, military installations, and armories within the United States and overseas. In New Jersey, Rutgers University joined the program in April, a few months after Congressman Adler first urged the university to participate.

“We need to increase education opportunities for our servicemembers and returning veterans,” said Congressman Adler, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. “I urge universities across the country to join this program and support our brave military men and women.”

Servicemembers face numerous challenges in their pursuit of higher education, either while they are still on active duty or a newly-returned veteran. Oftentimes, these brave men and women have trouble attaining college degrees because of their frequent relocations.

Bryan Adams, a Purple Heart recipient from Operation Iraqi Freedom and the president of Veterans for Education said, “The Servicemembers Opportunity College Consortium is going to help ease the transition from combat to college and give our veterans a head start towards attaining a positive future for themselves and their families. I am thankful Congressman Adler has initiated this bill and grateful that he has taken the time to listen to our concerns and make a positive difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of veterans."

Congressman Adler introduced a resolution encouraging each institution of higher education in the country to seek membership in the SOC Consortium. In addition, he praised Rutgers University for joining the Consortium in April. Congressman Adler introduced a similar resolution in the State Senate and urged Rutgers University to seek membership last September.

Currently, the SOC Consortium includes more than 1,800 colleges and universities. To ensure that servicemembers have greater access to undergraduate educational opportunities, the SOC Consortium maintains flexibility in university programs and procedures, especially in admissions and credit transfer.


Kathryn Prael
Communications Director
Office of Congressman John Adler (NJ-03)
Main Office: 202.225.4765
Direct Line: 202.226.9201
Cell: 202.329.7341
http://adler.house.gov

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