SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Patriot Empowerment Institute (PEI), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting active-duty military service members in their transition back to civilian life, is proud to announce a transformative endeavor aimed at empowering veteran students at New York’s Columbia University. With a dual-pronged approach, PEI unveils both a comprehensive tutoring program designed to offer veteran students valuable academic support and mentorship and an exclusive scholarship opportunity for those who have served our nation.

The program will be an extension of PEI’s already successful collaboration with Columbia and is designed to provide academic support and resources to veterans pursuing higher education. With these initiatives, PEI is demonstrating its dedication to fostering the educational and personal growth of veterans, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in their post-service lives.
“Our association with Columbia has created many successful academic outcomes for our veterans over the years,” said James Leandro, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer for PEI. “The rigors of studying at such a prestigious institution and the high cost of living in New York City can be challenging obstacles. These programs are designed to support our veteran students and help them achieve their academic goals.”

The tutoring program is available free of charge to military veteran students at Columbia University. The program will provide one-on-one sessions with experienced tutors, as well as access to study resources and peer groups. The program will also provide support for academic expansion beyond tutoring, including workshops and networking events.

“We believe that every veteran deserves the opportunity to succeed, and we are committed to supporting them every step of the way,” said Leandro. “We are excited to offer this tutoring program and scholarship at Columbia University and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on the lives of the military veteran students. PEI is committed to expanding its support services for military veterans and is currently exploring the possibility of launching similar scholarships and tutoring programs in other universities across the country.”

About PEI The Patriot Empowerment Institute was founded by three U.S. Marine Corps Force Recon veterans after experiencing the loss of several former U.S.M.C. teammates to suicide and accidental overdoses. Recognizing the mental toll and unique challenges that veterans face when they transition from active duty to civilian life, and to help fill the gap in the military’s current 5-day transition process, PEI was born. By developing a two-year program that begins prior to the end of service, PEI seeks to PREPARE, EMPOWER, and SUPPORT transitioning military with the goal of placing them on a path toward positive personal and professional development, and a successful post-military life.
For more information on the Patriot Empowerment Institute, visit patriotempowermentinstitute.org.