What Volunteering Means to Me Here is what some of our student volunteers had to say about volunteering at VA Medical Centers aaLacy - "I didn't know at first what I wanted to do after high school, what I wanted to go to college for. I had an interest in Pharmacy, so I decided to volunteer my time at the VA Medical Center to see what Pharmacy was all about. I think that being a Pharmacist is a good career choice for me and my decision was based in part on the experience I received volunteering." Lacy started college this fall. Bobby - "Volunteering gives me experience that helps me develop my career." Paris - "I started volunteering because of my grandmother. Now I do it because I like to help people." Santiago - "I like working for those that have given so much." VA Student Volunteer Program Get information about VA’s Student Volunteer Program. It is very rewarding to help veterans and you will develop skills that will be great to put on a resume. Here is some information on programs and scholarships offered by VA and by veterans service organizations. Blinded Veterans Association Scholarship Since the early '80s, Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) has offered spouses and dependent children of blinded veterans a chance to continue their education through the Kathern F. Gruber Scholarship Program. Congressional Awards The Congressional Award is the U.S. Congress' award for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. The program is open to all 14 to 23 year-olds. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. Earning the Award is a fun and interesting way to get more involved in something you already enjoy or something you'd like to try for the first time. DAV's Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship Program The Disabled American Veterans' Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship Program recognizes outstanding young volunteers who give of their time by awarding annual scholarships that may be used to continue their education. Purple Heart Scholarship Eligibility information and an application packet is available for download. Students.gov - Students' Gateway to the U.S. Government Students.gov contains a wealth of information about preparing for college, paying for your education, campus life, career development and the military services. VA Career Opportunities VA runs hundreds of hospitals and clinics across the nation, issues millions of checks for education, disability and pensions, and supervises over a 100 national cemeteries! VA offers some great career opportunities. It employs lots of doctors and nurses; scientists and researchers; technicians; lawyers; secretaries and clerks; grounds keepers; engineers; managers and administrators; and many more professions. In addition, VA employees have an awesome mission… to serve those who have helped to protect our freedom. Check out VA career opportunities and learn what VA can do for you – it will be worth your time! Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholarship Annually, The VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary distributes more than $3 million in scholarships and savings bonds to America's youth through the annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen contests.