A vital program at the University of Southern Maine that helps hundreds of veterans transition to college is on the brink of closure. The U.S. Department of Education has cut funding for the Veterans Upward Bound program, citing conflicts with federal policies, with a final deadline of September 30 for the program's continuation.
Key Takeaways
- The Veterans Upward Bound program at the University of Southern Maine (USM) will lose its federal funding.
- The U.S. Department of Education cited a conflict with policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training.
- The program is set to end on September 30 if the funding is not restored.
- University officials and Maine's congressional delegation are appealing the decision.
Federal Funding Withdrawn Over Policy Conflict
The University of Southern Maine (USM) received a letter from the U.S. Department of Education this month, officially notifying them of the decision to terminate funding for the Veterans Upward Bound program. The letter stated that the program's activities were in conflict with policies established during the Trump administration.
Specifically, the department raised concerns about training materials that include topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). According to the notice, these elements are inconsistent with federal guidelines, leading to the immediate withdrawal of financial support.
University officials have been given a deadline of Tuesday, September 30. If the funding is not reinstated by this date, the program that has served as a critical bridge to higher education for veterans will be forced to shut down permanently.
What is Veterans Upward Bound?
Veterans Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program designed to help eligible U.S. military veterans enter and succeed in postsecondary education. It provides academic instruction, tutoring, and counseling to prepare them for college admission and success.
The Human Impact on Maine's Veterans
For participants like Edward Phillbrook, an Army veteran, the program has been life-changing. Phillbrook joined the military directly after high school and later sustained an injury, leading to years of work in various trades. He turned to Veterans Upward Bound for a path forward.
"They take veterans in, you know, try to help them get reacquainted with college and help get everything lined up so we can get back into that life, so we can move forward," Phillbrook explained. He credits the program with providing the support, resources, and confidence he needed to pursue a college degree.
"When you've done everything yourself for all your life, it's hard to ask for help. It's hard to know where to go to get it, and so something like the program, like Upward Bound, helps you coordinate everything you need to know."
Phillbrook emphasized the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning back to civilian and academic life. The potential closure of the program represents a significant loss of a tailored support system for those who have served the country.
Supporting Hundreds of Veterans
The Veterans Upward Bound program at the University of Southern Maine has successfully assisted hundreds of Maine veterans in their journey to higher education, providing essential academic and personal support services.
University and Lawmakers Fight to Save Program
In response to the Department of Education's decision, officials from the University of Maine System have taken formal action. The system's Office of General Counsel has filed official appeals, urging the federal department to reverse its decision and restore the critical funding.
The university also addressed the specific claims regarding DEI. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Maine school system clarified their position. "Since January 2024, the USM Veterans Upward Bound program has not used funds to engage in training or professional development dedicated to DEI," the spokesperson wrote in an email.
The effort to save the program extends beyond the university. Maine's entire congressional delegation is actively involved, pushing the Department of Education to reconsider. They are advocating for the reinstatement of the funds to ensure that Maine veterans continue to receive the educational support they have earned.
For veterans like Phillbrook, the stakes are deeply personal. He believes the termination of the program would be a profound disservice to those who have sacrificed for the nation.
"Veterans have sacrificed their lives, or at least offered that to the country, and I think that they deserve whatever they can get back to help them... I think it would be a shame to end this program," Phillbrook said.
The future of the program now depends on the outcome of these appeals and political pressure ahead of the September 30 deadline.