Wednesday, Washington legislators unanimously passed Senate Bill 5969 that requires public higher education institutions to adopt policies that will give academic credit for applicable military training.

This bill will give support to veterans in accomplishing their post-secondary goals and increase employment opportunities.

Currently veterans between the ages of 18 and 24 have a 21.4 percent unemployment rate.

“Our servicemen and women acquire amazing skills during their careers,” said state Leg. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. “I am glad to support this legislation that gives veterans recognition for their real world experiences. As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee I have been advocating for ways to give people credit for their experience. This is an example of what we can do by starting to help veterans utilize their training to positively impact our state.”

It is estimated that more than 13,000 veterans will move to Washington state after military service separation.

Aligning experience with academic credit will provide more options to veterans to utilize prior military training to pursue their educational goals.