McClellan Introduces Bill to Modernize Work-Study Program and Uplift Student Veterans

Washington, D.C. –​​ In case you missed it, this Veterans Day: Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) introduced H.R. 5965, the Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act, to provide student veterans with a more flexible work-study program that considers their unique needs.

Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work-study program allows veterans enrolled as at least a three-quarter-time student to receive a part-time, paying job on campus or at another VA-approved employer. This three-quarter time requirement does not account for the unique circumstances veteran students face, such as caring for children, unique mental health needs or financial considerations that make it necessary for them to enroll only half-time.

“As veterans transition out of active-duty service back to civilian life, we owe it to them to support their needs and ease any burdens they face,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “The Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act takes one step towards helping veterans adequately prepare for civilian jobs by tailoring the program to meet their specific needs. This action will improve accessibility to the work-study program and ensure more people can participate.”

“Student Veterans of America strongly welcomes the reintroduction of the Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act. Modernizing the VA Work Study Program is long overdue, and this bill moves us closer to a reality where student veterans can align their VA work study experience with their academic goals and future career pathways,” said Tammy Barlet, Vice President of Government Affairs at Student Veterans of America. “With nearly half of student veterans balancing parenting and caregiving responsibilities, flexibility isn’t a luxury, it is essential. This legislation represents an investment in outcomes over processes. By expanding eligibility and improving access, we can align VA work study with federal work study opportunities, helping more student veterans stay enrolled, build relevant experience and accelerate their trajectory into high-demand fields across the country. SVA looks forward to working with Congress to advance this bill and continue shaping a future where every veteran can succeed through higher education.”

The Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act would update the VA Work Study Program to improve accessibility for student veterans. Specifically, this bill would:

• Create a five-year Pilot Program to expand VA work-study eligibility to student veterans who are enrolled half time; and
• Require the VA to report data on the VA Work Study Program to Congress, including the number of participating veterans; the percentage of student veterans who obtain a four-year degree; and how many student veterans obtain full-time work with the VA.

The Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act has 15 cosponsors: Representatives Rick Larsen, April McClain Delaney, Steven Horsford, Marc Veasey, Angie Craig, Jahana Hayes, George Whitesides, Dina Titus, Julia Brownley, Seth Moulton, Jill Tokuda, Ted Lieu, Stephen Lynch, Josh Gottheimer, and Jim Costa.

Read the full bill text here.