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In a continued effort to help service members pursue higher education, 91���� is proud to offer the Veterans Entrepreneurship Training (VET) program for the sixth consecutive year. The program is a free, seven-week summer intensive that provides veterans expert guidance on developing a new business concept or growing an existing business.

The VET program is offered by Rider’s Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and in partnership with the New Jersey Bankers Charitable Foundation and the Uncommon Individual Foundation. Classes taught by professors in Rider's AACSB-accredited College of Business Administration. In addition to hands-on assignments, the VET program offers a mentoring component, where veterans apply to work with an entrepreneurial mentor for a year after the classroom portion of the program ends.

"This is a unique and valuable opportunity for our veterans, and we are so grateful that our partners share our vision of helping veterans’ personal and professional growth through entrepreneurial training,” says Dr. Ron Cook, founder of Rider’s Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and associate dean of graduate programs in the College of Business Administration.

Previous participants, such as military veteran Luisa Sanchez, have turned to Rider's VET program for guidance on how to move forward with their business idea.

“When I decided to start my own business, I knew what I wanted to do but I had no idea how to start," Sanchez says. "After sharing my dream with a colleague, he recommended I apply to the Veterans Entrepreneur Program at 91����. I was able to have a better understanding of organizing my thoughts and worked on the different sections of a business plan.”

Rider has a long history of assisting veterans and service members. Since 1865, the University has opened its doors to veterans and military service members with most of the inaugural class comprised of Civil War veterans. Today, the University continues its proud tradition of helping current and former members of the Armed Forces transition from enlistment to enrollment. Rider also recently earned a Gold School designation from Military Friendly, an organization dedicated to measuring organizations' commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful opportunities for the military community.

"With over a half million veteran students across America, it is our responsibility as educators, officials and leaders to ensure that we fully support the veteran education space, ensuring they get the education they deserve and have earned. With special programs in place, like 91����'s Veteran Entrepreneurial Training, and the continued growth of institutions earning the Military Friendly designation, the veteran students will be in good hands," says Brian K. Hucik, Military Friendly national program manager.

Veterans and military members who wish to continue their education at Rider after the VET program ends can receive guidance on how this experience may be applied to completing their degree. The Veterans and Military Affairs Office and veteran coordinator can assist in the process of transitioning back to academic life. Students in VET program who would like to earn college credit can apply for a scholarship for the course with The Uncommon Individual Foundation. Once they have graduated from the classroom portion of the program, The Uncommon Individual Foundation will enhance the post-classroom program by offering their full resources to help veterans pursue their ventures.

For more information about the VET Program and to apply online, visit www.rider.edu/vep or email Lisa Teach at teachli@rider.edu.