The University of Notre Dame’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) has unveiled a powerful new video highlighting its long-standing partnership with the Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP). This collaboration wih WSP offers transformative academic boot camps designed to prepare transitioning service members for success in higher education. The video, revealed in anticipation of this summer’s ninth annual academic boot camp at Notre Dame, underscores the university’s dedication to empowering veterans and active-duty service members. A big thank you to our colleagues over at ND Studios for the making of this film; their dedication, expertise, and contributions were instrumental in bringing this project to life.
“Notre Dame has an excellent relationship with the Warrior-Scholar Project,” said Ken Heckel, Director of the OMVA at Notre Dame. “Being surrounded by exceptional faculty and staff at Notre Dame is very empowering. It’s a community and experience that one can be a part of, and these boot camps instill a sense of belonging and the confidence to succeed in a college classroom.”
The week-long program immerses participants in the academic environment, offering them the opportunity to live on Notre Dame’s picturesque campus, engage with faculty, and collaborate with fellow veterans. “WSP provides you with the real college experience—living on this stunning campus, going to class, putting in the work, working alongside other veterans, and most importantly, being treated like an adult,” said Kevin Reyes, a WSP participant.
This hands-on approach ensures participants are not only prepared academically but also emotionally ready for the transition to college life. “I never knew that I wanted to go to a school like Notre Dame and didn’t think I had the capability to do so,” another WSP participant, Alissa Zavala, shared. “But now, I can picture myself at a school like that.”
Notre Dame professors who work with WSP have consistently praised the program and its participants. “Active-duty service members and veterans served by the Warrior-Scholar Project have an enormous amount of talent and are driven to succeed,” said Dr. Evan Kirby, Professor of Physics and Astronomy. Dr. Michael Desch, professor of political science added, “they bring experience and professional maturity that the average recent high school graduate just doesn’t have.” Dr. Desch highlighted the importance of addressing imposter syndrome among veterans, saying, “A key thing is to assure veterans that they’re no different from other college freshmen.”
Through rigorous academic workshops, participants gain critical skills and confidence. Alissa Zavala explained, “This program filled me with knowledge and skills to be the best student I can be. There are things I would have never thought of had it not been for this program.” The program’s structure—with veterans stepping into classrooms alongside peers similar to those they led in their military service—helps them seamlessly transition into academic environments.
The Warrior-Scholar Project at Notre Dame provides a unique preparation that cannot be replicated outside of an on-campus experience. “You can check videos or study on your own, but it’s not the same as doing the work on campus,” noted Anthony Gagnon, WSP participant. “Especially on a campus like Notre Dame’s, this experience has been unbelievable.”
As Notre Dame continues its partnership with WSP, it solidifies its role as a leading institution for supporting veterans in their pursuit of higher education. By combining world-class faculty, a supportive community, and the resources of the OMVA, Notre Dame ensures that these service members are equipped not just to succeed, but to thrive, as they transition to their next chapter.