Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) participants (Photo – Adam Sherman)
Military veterans from across the United States came to the California Institute of Technology from July 18–25 for an intensive STEM-focused academic boot camp designed to prepare them for the demands of college-level coursework and the transition from military service to higher education.
By News Desk
Hosted in partnership with the Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP), the weeklong program marked its seventh year at Caltech, underscoring the university’s continued commitment to supporting student veterans as they pursue new academic and professional paths.
Over the course of the program, participants completed more than 75 hours of academic work in a condensed schedule designed to mirror the intensity of a college finals week. Through lectures, hands-on learning, mentorship, and collaborative work, the program gave veterans an opportunity to strengthen their academic skills while becoming familiar with the expectations and pace of university life.
The July program also provided participants with opportunities to engage directly with the Caltech community. Veterans attended lectures led by Caltech faculty, worked alongside research leaders, toured campus facilities, and connected with student veterans who have successfully navigated the transition to higher education.
For many participants, those experiences offered a glimpse into what a future in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics might look like.
“The [WSP-Caltech] lab tours were invaluable and inspired me to want to learn and become a researcher in science. I met many graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and professors who made me excited about science through their genuine love of it and passion for learning and discovering new things about the universe,” said Navy veteran and WSP-Caltech alumnus Warren Knowles. “I recommend this program for any veteran who is curious about science and wants to learn more about how a technical university like this one could change their lives.”
The Warrior-Scholar Project reports that more than 80% of its alumni have completed or are on track to complete a college degree, compared with 47% of veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. In 2025, 60% of WSP participants were first-generation college students, highlighting the program’s role in expanding access to higher education.
The boot camp was offered at no cost to participants through support from Caltech and funding provided by foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
WSP lab session (Photo – Adam Sherman)
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