CHERRY HILL, N.J., April 30, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Our Community Salutes (OCS) announced today that it is partnering with three major universities to launch OCS Connect℠, http://www.ocsconnect.org, the first online portal to provide the nation’s 150,000 new service members and their parents with important advice and resources needed to properly plan and prepare for higher education and personal financial success.

Supporting this initiative are three of the largest education providers to military service members and veterans in the U.S. – Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), University of Maryland University College (UMUC) and American Military University (AMU). These universities will contribute in a variety of ways, including providing expert advice and resources such as articles, webinars and community forums for each branch of the military.

Approximately 75% of all new high school enlistees will only serve one tour of duty; typically 48 to 60 months. This time goes by fast, given that much of the first year is dedicated to basic and advanced military training. Early understanding of what education benefits are available, while serving on active duty, is important to maximize this valuable benefit upon separation.

“OCS surveys have repeatedly indicated that new services members and their parents seek additional knowledge and guidance in the use of military education benefits and managing their personal finances – this is what inspired us to create OCS Connect℠,” said Dr. Kenneth Hartman, founder and president of OCS, and a former university president. “I am deeply gratified by the participation of SNHU, UMUC and AMU. Having these three major competing institutions working as partners demonstrates the respect and appreciation these universities have for our armed forces members.”

“It just made sense that we all came together as a team to help these young patriots and their parents,” said APUS President and CEO, Dr. Wallace Boston.

“We are proud to support this new tool for our nation’s service members and their families,” said Dr. Paul LeBlanc, president and CEO of Southern New Hampshire University. “These resources will provide military families with valuable information about financial planning and higher education, and we’re excited to offer our insights.”

“The research clearly shows that the key to helping a service member make a successful transition from the military to higher education is early planning and parental involvement,” said Dr. Javier Miyares, President of University of Maryland-University College.” We’re delighted to add our resources and expertise to this much needed initiative.”

About Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 85-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 100,000 students worldwide, SNHU offers more than 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as the “Most Innovative” regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each student. Learn more at http://www.snhu.edu.

About University of Maryland University College

University of Maryland University College (UMUC) was founded more than 70 years ago to serve working adults and servicemembers. UMUC is an online state university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fast-growing and in-demand fields. With no-cost digital course materials in nearly every course, and locations in Maryland and at military installations around the world, UMUC provides the opportunity to earn a respected degree from just about anywhere life takes you. Learn more at http://www.umuc.edu.

About American Military University

American Military University provides high-quality higher education with an emphasis on educating the nation’s military and public service communities by offering respected, relevant, accessible, affordable, and student-focused online programs that prepare students for service and leadership in a diverse, global society.AMU is part of American Public University System. Learn more at http://www.amu.apus.edu/.

About Our Community Salutes

Our Community Salutes (OCS) is a national, non-profit organization helping communities recognize, honor and support high school seniors who plan to enlist in the U.S. Armed Services after graduation. OCS was founded in 2009 to provide enlistees and their parents with guidance, information, resources and community support from like-minded enlistees and parents as their son or daughter transitions into military service. Learn more at http://www.ourcommunitysalutes.org/.

SOURCE Our Community Salutes