Veteran Behavioral Health Scholars: Summer Pilot Program

Veteran Behavioral Health Scholars: Summer Pilot Program

Program Overview

The Veteran Behavioral Health Scholars Summer Pilot Program is an intensive, immersive summer training experience designed to prepare undergraduate students for careers at the intersection of behavioral health research and applied practice in support of veterans and military-connected populations. Co-sponsored by the Center for Health Behavior Research & Innovation (CHB) and the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), this summer pilot program builds on the foundation established by the Syracuse University Veteran & Military Learning Scholars Program (SU-VMLSP) to create a concentrated summer experience for a select cohort of undergraduate scholars.

Program at a Glance

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Hours: 20 hours per week
  • Cohort Size: 2 Scholars
  • Stipend: $2,500 per scholar

The program is organized around three core pillars:

1. Hands-On Research

Scholars engage in hands-on research and applied learning under the direct mentorship of faculty affiliated with the CHB and collaborators connected to the IVMF Veteran & Military Behavioral Health Collaborative. Mentored experience builds research literacy, analytic reasoning, and professional identity within the field of veteran behavioral health.

2. Experiential Learning

Scholars participate in a structured weekly seminar series introducing foundational and applied topics in veteran behavioral health. Seminars will be led by guest lecturers with clinical, research, and community expertise. Topics are selected to reflect the most pressing behavioral health needs of veteran and military-connected populations.

Topic Overview:

WeekTopic
1Overview & Introduction
2Psychopathology
3Substance Use & Addiction
4Health Psychology
5Trauma & PTSD
6Suicide & Self Harm
7Geriatric and Palliative Care
8Career Pathways

3. Community Engagement

Scholars participate in at least one structured engagement with a veteran-serving organization, which may include a visit to the Syracuse VA Medical Center, attendance at Veteran Treatment Court, engagement with a community-based organization, or completion of suicide prevention training. This component builds community awareness, professional networks, and a sense of civic responsibility within the field.

Scholar Deliverables

Each Scholar will produce a final product demonstrating knowledge synthesis and professional communication. Deliverables include:

  • Literature review or research summary
  • Policy or research brief for publication on SURFACE
  • Academic poster and abstract

Scholars will present their work in a 10–15-minute presentation to faculty, mentors, and collaborators at the conclusion of the program.