Veterans Upward Bound - NC

09/04/2026

Sleep is sometimes the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. Work, school, family responsibilities, stress, and even late night screen time can gradually reduce the amount and quality of rest we get. The problem is that losing sleep can make everything else we are trying to accomplish more difficult.

Quality sleep supports attention, memory, emotional regulation, physical recovery, and decision making. For veterans returning to school, these benefits can directly affect the ability to concentrate during class, retain new information, manage deadlines, and respond to stressful situations.

Improving sleep does not necessarily require completely changing your lifestyle. Start by creating consistency. Keep your sleep and wake times as regular as possible, develop a routine that signals the end of the day, reduce bright screens before bed, and pay attention to habits that may be interfering with your rest.

Most importantly, treat sleep as part of your wellness routine rather than something you earn after everything else is finished. Rest and productivity are not opposites. Proper recovery helps prepare your mind and body to perform when it matters.

This week, take a look at your sleep routine and identify one small change you can make to improve your rest.

Veterans Upward Bound is here to support veterans as they build the habits, skills, and resources needed to reach their educational and personal goals.

09/02/2026

🐾 𝗥𝗨𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 — 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘 $𝟱!

Register for the 𝟱𝗞𝟵 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗝𝗼𝗴 by 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮 and save $𝟱 with promo code 𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗥𝟮𝟲!

Join us September 26 at WakeMed Soccer Park to run, walk, or wag your way to the finish line while supporting Veterans with disabilities and rescued dogs.

👕 𝗧-𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁!
🐕 Dogs welcome, but not required.

💙 𝗥𝗨𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦!

𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗥𝟮𝟲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 $𝟱 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄:
https://vetstovets5k9.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=14542

09/02/2026

Military service teaches us to plan, adapt and keep moving toward the mission. But what happens when the plan for life after service changes?

For many veterans, transition means discovering new goals, new careers and sometimes an entirely new sense of direction. Education can be an important part of that process, providing an opportunity to build on the experience and skills gained through military service while preparing for what comes next.

This week's Stories & Inspiration feature looks at Daniel K. Inouye and how an unexpected change in his future led him down a different path through education, leadership and public service.

Your next mission may look different than you expected. Veterans Upward Bound can help you explore the possibilities.

08/31/2026

September is shaping up to be a busy month for Veterans Upward Bound.

Throughout the month, we will be providing educational workshops, connecting with veterans in the community and creating opportunities to build skills that can support the transition into college, training and future careers.

Participants can join us for virtual math and computer literacy refreshers, a financial literacy workshop and our Annual Banquet. Our team will also be out in the community at several veteran and community events throughout the month.

Whether you are preparing to return to school, exploring a new career path or simply looking for resources to help determine your next step, Veterans Upward Bound is here to help.

Check out our September calendar and reach out to learn more about any of our upcoming opportunities.

[email protected] | 919-718-7463

08/30/2026

What comes next after military service?

For some veterans, the next step is moving directly into the workforce. For others, education or training can be the bridge to the career they want.

Veterans Upward Bound will be attending the Deloitte Employment Boot Camp on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Wounded Warrior Project Fayetteville Office. The event brings together transitioning service members, veterans and their families with resources to help prepare for civilian employment.

While employers and career professionals will be helping participants with resumes, interviews, networking and job readiness, Veterans Upward Bound will be there to help veterans explore another part of that journey: education.

Whether that means earning a degree, completing a certification, learning a skilled trade or preparing academically before enrolling, we can help veterans explore educational pathways that support their long term career goals.

Tuesday, Sept. 1 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wounded Warrior Project Fayetteville Office
1990 Fordham Drive, Suite 100
Fayetteville, NC 28304

Stop by and see us to learn how education can become part of your transition from military service to your next career.

08/28/2026

Dropping a class may seem like a simple schedule change, but if you are using VA education benefits, it could affect more than your transcript.

Withdrawing from a course can change your enrollment status, which may affect your tuition payments, monthly housing allowance, or other VA education benefits. Depending on when and why you withdraw, the VA may also determine that money already paid must be repaid.

Before dropping a class, talk with your School Certifying Official and academic adviser. Ask how the change will affect your enrollment status, academic progress, and education benefits. If circumstances beyond your control are contributing to the withdrawal, ask about mitigating circumstances and what documentation may be required.

Most importantly, do not wait until you are already struggling to ask for help. Tutoring, academic coaching, course refreshers, and other support may help you successfully complete the course and avoid an unnecessary withdrawal.

Veterans Upward Bound can help you understand your options, connect with the right campus resources, and develop a plan to keep moving toward your educational goals.

Before you drop, know the impact. Contact Veterans Upward Bound if you need help figuring out your next step.

08/26/2026

Procrastination and test anxiety can make even manageable coursework feel overwhelming. The good news is that both can improve with preparation, structure, and the right strategies.

Start by breaking large assignments into smaller tasks with clear deadlines. For exams, avoid relying on one long study session. Review material regularly, practice recalling information without your notes, and give yourself time to identify areas that need more attention.

When test day arrives, slow down, read each question carefully, and focus on what you know rather than what you might have forgotten.

Most importantly, ask for help early. Veterans Upward Bound can help you strengthen study habits, develop a plan, and connect with additional academic resources when needed.

Contact Veterans Upward Bound and let us help you prepare for your next academic challenge.

08/24/2026

Need to brush up on your math skills before heading back to the classroom?

Veterans Upward Bound is offering a FREE virtual Math Refresher Course designed to help veterans strengthen foundational math skills and feel more prepared for college level coursework.

Join instructor Dhalia Mohamed Kempton for four live evening sessions covering key math concepts in a supportive learning environment. Whether it has been a few years since your last math class or you simply want some extra practice, this is a great opportunity to rebuild your skills before the semester gets underway.

Course Dates:
Aug. 25 and 27
Sept. 1 and 3
6 to 8 p.m. via Zoom

Current participants should check their email for the Zoom meeting link and ID.

Interested in Veterans Upward Bound or future academic workshops? Contact us at [email protected] or 919 718 7463 to learn more.

08/21/2026

Perfection can sound like a good standard until it prevents us from recognizing progress.

Veterans are often accustomed to environments where preparation, performance, and accountability matter. Those qualities remain valuable after service, but starting college, changing careers, or pursuing a new personal goal also means becoming a beginner again. You may not immediately know the system, understand every assignment, or have your entire future mapped out.

That is where progress becomes more important than perfection.

Instead of judging yourself only by the final result, pay attention to what is improving. Did you ask for help sooner? Complete something you had been putting off? Learn from a mistake? Make it through a difficult week without abandoning your goal? Those are meaningful signs of progress.

High standards can motivate us, but unrealistic expectations can make ordinary setbacks feel like failure. Growth requires room to learn, adjust, and sometimes try again.

Keep the standard high, but give yourself permission to be a work in progress.

What is one small win you have had recently? Take a moment to recognize it, then identify your next step.

Veterans Upward Bound is here to help veterans set educational goals, overcome obstacles, and continue moving forward.

08/20/2026

Lace up your shoes, bring the family and come support a great cause!

Vets to Vets United is hosting its annual 5K9 Dog Jog on Saturday, Sept. 26, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. The event supports veterans and rescue dogs while bringing the community together for a morning of fun, including the 5K9, dog activities, pony rides, a petting zoo and vendor village.

Veterans Upward Bound will be there with a booth, and we would love to see some familiar faces and meet new veterans and families from the community.

Registration is open now. Whether you are ready to hit the course or simply want to come out and enjoy the event, mark your calendar and help us show up in support of Vets to Vets United and the work they do for veterans and rescue dogs.

Saturday, Sept. 26
9 a.m.
WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary

Scan the QR code on the flyer for registration and additional information.

🐾 The 2026 5K9 Dog Jog is almost here—and registration is OPEN!

📅 When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM
📍 Where: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, NC

Run, walk, bring your pup—or come without one. There’s something for everyone, all while supporting Veterans and rescue dogs! ❤️🇺🇸🐕‍🦺

🌐 Can't make it in person? Join from anywhere in the world with our Virtual Race Option and track your run using the ItsYourRace app!

🐴 Pony Rides & Petting Zoo – Perfect for the kids and animal lovers of all ages!
🎾 Dog Activities – Fun games and zones dedicated completely to your furry best friends.
🛍️ Vendor Village – Explore awesome local businesses, crafts, and organizations.
🎶 Plus: We will have a live DJ keeping the energy high with family-friendly music and cheering on our racers all morning long!

🏃 Register today:
https://vetstovets5k9.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=14542