Model programs for Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success

It is the purpose of this section to encourage model programs to support veteran student success in postsecondary education by coordinating services to address the academic, financial, physical, and social needs of veteran students. Subject to the availability of appropriations under subsection (f), the Secretary shall award grants to institutions of higher education to develop model programs to support veteran student success in postsecondary education. A grant awarded under this section shall be awarded for a period of three years. An institution of higher education receiving a grant under this section shall use such grant to carry out a model program that includes— An institution of higher education receiving a grant under this section may use such grant to carry out any of the following activities with respect to veteran students: Supportive instructional services for such students, which may include— To be considered for a grant under this section, an institution of higher education shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall consider— the need for model programs to address the needs of veteran students at a wide range of institutions of higher education, including the need to provide— The Secretary shall develop an evaluation and accountability plan for model programs funded under this section to objectively measure the impact of such programs, including a measure of whether postsecondary education enrollment, persistence, and completion for veterans increases as a result of such programs. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years.