St. Cloud State University, partnering with the Central Minnesota Warrior to Citizen Initiative, has been approved by Americorps to host a VISTA position for 2012 to 2013.

The MN Warrior to Citizen Initiative is a volunteer organization focused on issues encountered by deployed and returning military personnel. It represents nine communities in the surrounding area and has the support of the National Guard, Army Reserve.

SCSU is the largest higher education institution in the region the second largest in Minnesota with more than 200 academic programs and more than 60 graduate degrees. SCSU serves a population of over 600 veterans.

VISTA is working to address transition and employability of veterans in central Minnesota. The planned areas of focus are a Veterans Resource Center at SCSU for student issues, and working to reduce the unemployment rate for veterans.