MCA

The Military Community Advocates program empowers military-connected student leaders to drive change on campuses across the country

MILITARY COMMUNITY ADVOCATES

The NVLF’s Military Community Advocates (MCAs) are student leaders dedicated to strengthening and supporting the military-connected student population. Their efforts create a more inclusive campus environment and enhance the higher education experience for these students. Through the MCA program, student leaders are empowered to design and implement initiatives that benefit military-connected students. By fostering a culture of inclusion, Advocates help universities celebrate and support the success of those who have served our country.

Each Advocate serves for a year, dedicating 4-6 hours per week to their role. They receive a service scholarship and access to project funds, along with NVLF-provided programming and support to maximize the program’s impact. NVLF offers counsel and assistance to campus military-veteran office directors, providing a program toolkit to help launch and sustain these initiatives. Advocates participate in national NVLF programming, including Career Workshops and virtual All Advocate meetings, fostering networking and learning opportunities.

Advocates are placed in various campus departments, offices, and colleges, developing innovative programs and events to serve, engage, and support military-connected students. Acting as “force multipliers,” they extend the reach and impact of military-veteran offices. Serving as an Advocate enables military-connected students to significantly impact campus life, providing valuable resume experiences that enhance their future career prospects.

Advocates have improved campus policies on military service, created suicide prevention programs, expanded veteran recruiting, established mentoring initiatives, organized community-building events, and sponsored trauma-informed writing projects. Each Advocate identifies the most significant difference they can make and is empowered to act.

Through their efforts, Advocates earn service scholarships and gain resume experiences that prepare them for future career success. By transforming the college experience for military-connected students, NVLF Advocates are making a profound impact on thousands of students committed to serving their country.

If you are interested in becoming a Military Community Advocate, please contact your campus’ Military and Veterans Services office.

WHERE DO MCAs WORK ON CAMPUS?

These are some of the departments where MCAs have been placed.

  • Admissions- Undergraduate & Graduate
  • Career Services
  • Office of Military and Veteran Services
  • Entrepreneurship Center
  • Development Office
  • Student Services/Student Success
  • Various Academic Colleges
    (Engineering, Nursing, Business, Arts & Sciences, Medical, Public Policy, etc)
  • Branch/Satellite Campus Locations
  • University Legal Center
  • Recreational Sports
  • Communications/Campus Newsletter
  • Parent & Family Relations
  • Off-Campus and Commuter Student Service
  • Financial Aid/Bursar Office
  • Athletics
  • Health Center/Student Wellness Center
  • Office of Accessibility/Disability Services

MCA PROJECT EXAMPLES

A quick overview of successful MCA projects from campuses nationwide. Use this as inspiration when planning your own initiative.

Community-Building & Engagement

Projects that strengthen belonging and connection among military-connected students.

  • Social events: bowling, tailgates, ice curling, pickleball, family outings
    “To give the veterans something fun to do… Bowling.”
  • Welcome-back gatherings, holiday events, and campus-wide meetups
  • Family-focused programming for student parents and dependents

Key takeaway: Small, consistent events build trust and community.

Academic & Career Support

Initiatives that help students succeed academically or prepare for professional opportunities.

  • Graduate school mentoring and application guides
    “Implementation of a mentor-mentee program… and an easy-to-follow guide.”
  • Resume reviews, career fair tours, networking events
  • Student research showcases and colloquia

Key takeaway: Partner with career services and faculty early.

Advocacy & Resource Navigation

Projects that help students access benefits, services, and campus support systems.

  • Awareness campaigns for legal services, disability services, or benefits
    “Raise awareness… on how student legal services can be of use.”
  • Guides explaining campus processes (funding, policies, benefits)
  • One-on-one support for navigating GI Bill and tuition issues

Key takeaway: Accuracy matters — ask questions and verify information.

Leadership & Organizational Development

Efforts that build long-term structures for future MCAs and student veterans.

  • Launching or revitalizing SALUTE or SVA chapters
    “Establish infrastructure… to restart the Cornell Chapter of SALUTE.”
  • Creating alumni networks or mentorship pipelines
  • Strengthening student veteran organizations

Key takeaway: Document everything so the next MCA can continue your work.

Health, Wellness & Resilience

Programs that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

  • Hydration education and wellness stations
    “Provided hydration tools… and placed a hydration station inside MVC.”
  • Mindfulness and art-based mental health events
  • Fitness and remembrance events (rucks, 5Ks, stair climbs)

Key takeaway: Wellness programming can be simple but meaningful.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Projects that connect students with business leaders and creative opportunities.

  • Entrepreneurship bootcamps, workshops, and speaker panels
  • Social media and newsletter initiatives promoting entrepreneurial resources

Key takeaway: Community partnerships amplify impact.

Campus Recognition & Institutional Change

Initiatives that create lasting, visible improvements to campus culture.

  • Purple Heart parking spaces and Purple Heart University designations
    “Being able to lead the successful implementation of a designated Purple Heart parking space.”
  • Veterans Day ceremonies and commissioning events

Key takeaway: Administrative allies are essential.

Media, Communication & Storytelling

Projects that inform, connect, and celebrate the military-connected community.

  • Podcasts for military-affiliated students
  • Departmental or campus-wide newsletters
  • Articles highlighting military-connected students and women veterans

Key takeaway: Storytelling builds identity and visibility.