MARQUETTE — The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency has recognized 62 universities, colleges or trade schools as Veteran-Friendly Schools for the 2023-24 school year.

The VFS program, created in 2015-16, recognizes academic institutions committed to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students, the MVAA said in a news release.

These institutions are awarded Gold, Silver- and Bronze-level status based on their veteran-centric services and programs. Any academic institution or training facility in Michigan eligible to receive veteran education benefits can apply for the program.

This year, 47 schools earned Gold status, with seven schools upgrading from Silver to Gold from the previous year. The Gold level schools range from public universities such as the University of Michigan and Northern Michigan University to trade schools such as Midwest Truck Driving School and the North Country Heavy Equipment School.

Michigan Technological University also achieved Gold level status.

“We are incredibly grateful to have 62 Veteran-Friendly Schools in Michigan that are committed to supporting their student-veteran population,” MVAA Director Adam Hollier said in a statement. “Making the transition from boots and a helmet to a cap and gown can be a daunting process, but having guidance and resources from their academic institution is a game changer.

“Their talent and experiences matter, and the best way to thank a student veteran for their service is to support them in their journey and offer them a job after they graduate. I want to wish our student veterans the best as they start this next academic year and continue their educational journey.”

Michigan institutions interested in becoming a Veteran-Friendly School should contact MVAA-Strategy@michigan.gov for more information. Learn more about the program on the MVAA dashboard.