Student Veterans Of America

Sva national conference (natcon) natcon is the largest annual convening of student veterans in the country, bringing together sva's chapter leaders, stakeholders, advocates, and supporters who work on behalf of student veterans, military-connected students, family members, caregivers, and survivors in higher education. The purpose is to convene student veterans with those best equipped to support and empower them, train them on chapter management and salient topics pertinent to success in higher education and beyond, and reframe the possible for these diverse students. Student veterans attend natcon to learn how to manage some of the most successful student organizations in the country, and to network with their peers as tomorrow's leaders. (continued on schedule o.)notable speakers in fiscal year 2025 included secretary of veterans affairs, denis mcdonough, and past speakers include president george w. Bush, first lady dr. Jill biden, (then) vice president joe biden, veterans affairs secretary bob mcdonald, and many others. Each natcon features groundbreaking keynotes and breakout sessions in all areas of academic and professional development, including the latest research findings on student veteran success and advocacy strategies. Thousands of attendees and more than 100 exhibitors and sponsors attend natcon.

Leadership institutethe sva leadership institute is an immersive leadership development program designed to empower the next generation of changemakers. This program brings together nearly 100 chapter leaders through a competitive application process for intensive training that emphasizes personal growth, strategic thinking, and team leadership. Facilitated by experienced mentors, many of whom are sva alumni, the leadership institute provides participants with practical tools and insights to strengthen their chapters and engage their campus communities. Attendees explore their leadership styles, learn to navigate challenges, and develop strategies to implement meaningful initiatives. (continued on schedule o.)graduates of the leadership institute return to their campuses equipped to address the needs of their diverse communities. By equipping these rising leaders with comprehensive leadership training, sva extends its impact far beyond the program's immediate participants, ultimately fostering healthier, more supportive learning environments for thousands of fellow student veterans.