Washington Week 2024

Student Veterans of America (SVA) recently hosted its annual Washington Week program in the heart of our nation's capital, Washington, D.C. During the first week of March, SVA invites chapter members from across the country to D.C. to experience the democratic process and make their voices heard in the chambers of Congress and in the offices of their elected officials.

During the three days of Washington Week programming, two days are dedicated to allowing SVA chapter members the opportunity to meet with their elected officials. SVA empowers them to schedule meetings within the Capitol Hill buildings (with their members of Congress and congressional staffers) to advocate on their behalf, whether for their campuses, districts, or state.

More than meeting with their state's representation in Congress, student veterans also had the privilege of witnessing a Congressional hearing in the Senate chambers. Annually, SVA is invited to testify before a joint session of the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs. Our National President & CEO, Jared Lyon, presented on behalf of SVA, our 2024 Legislative Policy Priorities. In his verbal testimony, Jared mentioning: VA Modernization, GI Bill Improvements, Transparency and Accountability, Strengthening Higher Education, and Post-Traditional Student Success. As an avid advocate for student veterans, Lyon's testimony helped to inform our elected officials of the issues that affect student veterans at large.

Washington Week is not strictly advocacy and policy. Tuesday evening SVA held our second "Veterans in Higher Education Symposium" at the American Legion DC Headquarters. Panelist from varies areas of the government, veteran serving organizations, higher education advocates, and research discussed career innovation, financial literacy, DEI strategies and practices, and groundbreaking research.

SVA also provides joint organizational networking opportunities and receptions, which allows student veterans to engage with fellow veteran-serving organizations (VSOs). Often, VSO policy priorities align and can positively effect student veteran and military-connected student advocacy. Additionally, many student veterans volunteer or are affiliated with multiple VSOs.

During the week, SVA co-hosted an evening reception with American Veterans (AMVETS), allowing student veterans the opportunity to network with their peers, fellow veterans, and influential veterans who advocate on Capitol Hill.

To close out an amazing Washington Week, SVA hosted a reception at The Boeing Company's headquarters. As a way to bring together everyone who participated in this year's Washington Week, this reception recapped the successes of student veterans' efforts to advocate on their own behalf and to inspire them to continue their advocacy when they return to their campuses and within their local communities.