Fall 2025 Semester Recap: Operation Education at UC

During the Fall 2025 semester, the 3rd & Goal Veteran Mentor Program continued to demonstrate a significant and measurable impact on student veteran success at the University of Cincinnati. Through Operation Education, the program supported 125 student veterans and active military-connected students, providing mentorship, academic resources, and this semester for the first time, direct scholarship assistance to reduce financial barriers.

A defining strength of the 3rd & Goal Veteran Mentor Program is its ability to promote academic consistency and persistence. University of Cincinnati leadership has identified the program as a “game changer,” citing its positive influence on both student retention and GPA outcomes. Student veterans who engage in mentoring consistently maintain strong GPAs over time, reinforcing the importance of structured peer support and early academic intervention.

While the program’s first cohort reported an average GPA of 3.022, the addition of targeted academic tutoring in English and Math has led to notable academic gains. In Fall 2025, mentored student veterans achieved an average GPA of 3.31, underscoring the effectiveness of combining mentorship with focused academic support. These outcomes reflect a clear trend: student veterans connected to the 3rd & Goal Veteran Mentor Program are more likely to remain enrolled, perform well academically, and persist toward degree completion.

The Fall 2025 semester also marked an important milestone for Operation Education at UC with the introduction of four 3rd & Goal scholarships awarded to student veterans. These scholarships provided unrestricted financial support to help offset non-tuition expenses not covered by GI Bill benefits, including parking, books, and other miscellaneous fees. By alleviating financial stress, these scholarships are already contributing to improved retention and continued academic focus among recipients.

In addition to academic and financial support, the program continued to strengthen its long-term approach by expanding access to tutoring services across UC’s regional campuses. This ensures continuity of support for student veterans who begin their education at regional campuses and later transition to the Uptown Campus, providing consistent mentors and familiar resources throughout their academic journey.

Overall, the Fall 2025 semester reinforced the effectiveness of a holistic, relationship-centered support model. With strong GPA outcomes, improved retention, and the successful launch of scholarship support, the 3rd & Goal Veteran Mentor Program continues to evolve in response to student needs while maintaining a clear focus on academic success, connection, and persistence. Thanks to the generous investment of the 3rd & Goal Foundation, student veterans at the University of Cincinnati are better positioned to overcome barriers, achieve their academic goals, and build a successful future after service.