Service to Service | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Service to Service

Connecting veterans and military families with public service education pathways
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National Service to Service Initiative

Veterans and military families seeking careers in public service now have greater access to graduate education and career development support through Service to Service, a national initiative led by the Volcker Alliance and We the Veterans. This effort connects them with opportunities in state and local government, equipping them with the skills and resources needed for impactful careers. 

As one of 12 distinguished public policy schools selected to participate in Service to Service, the Ford School is expanding its support, resources, and programming for military-affiliated graduate students—reinforcing a commitment to developing service-oriented leaders.

 

Rick Scott (MPA ‘12)
Rick Scott (MPA ‘12)

The Ford School gave me the analytical tools to make educated, evidence-based decisions, not just jump into things. That, combined with my real-life leadership experiences in the military, set me up for a successful career in local government.“

Rick Scott (MPA '12)
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Ford School faculty bring real-world expertise in national security, diplomacy, and policy implementation—helping students translate leadership experience into policy impact.

Build depth in an area of interest through Ford School policy concentrations—such as international policy, social policy, public and nonprofit management, and environmental, climate, and energy policy.
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Veterans and military families choose the Ford School

As a top-ranked policy school within the University of Michigan in one of America's best college towns, the Ford School pairs distinguished faculty and a supportive community with resources to help veterans and military families thrive academically and advance in public policy careers.

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Join a top-ranked policy school

The Ford School’s top rankings reflect long-standing strengths in research and policy engagement, backed by an alumni network leading across government, nonprofits, and the private sector.
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Learn from renowned scholars and practitioners

Faculty bring wide-ranging, interdisciplinary expertise and a shared commitment to engaging policymakers, tackling pressing issues, and preparing the next generation of public leaders.
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Access academic and career support

Connect with academic and career supports through professional staff, peer mentors, faculty, alumni, and friends of the school.
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Build policy analysis confidence

Strengthen your quantitative methods with the Policy Analysis Learning Lab, offering one-on-one assistance and workshops to help you apply analysis with purpose.
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Communicate with clarity and impact

Develop strong, persuasive policy writing with the Writing Center, with support at every stage from a preliminary outline to a polished final draft.
Learn more about our Writing Center
Joining a community

Ford School joins Volcker Alliance to aid veterans in pursuing public service careers

The Ford School has been chosen as one of 12 distinguished public policy schools to participate in “Service to Service,” a national initiative that co...
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Support across the University of Michigan

The University of Michigan values the unique experiences and perspectives military-connected students bring. Many may also qualify for in-state tuition; see U‑M Veteran and Military Services for current eligibility details.

Veteran and military services

Explore education benefits, advising, and student resources for veterans and military-connected students through U-M Veteran and Military Services.
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