About WSC
Our Story Begins In 2007
Warrior Summit Coalition was founded by four veterans who served at UIC. After leaving the military and attending the University of Illinois at Chicago, they discovered veterans were not getting consistent information about benefits and campus resources.
In response, they built the UIC Veteran Task Force (2008) to centralize services — a blueprint that led to state policy in 2009 and large community events that have served tens of thousands since.
Many Active, Reserve and National Guard components return from service and have difficulty finding the proper direction and guidance for connecting available programs and services. WSC works daily uniting the veteran community to provide veterans and their family members immediate access to veteran support services. Providing these resources to veterans up front, before an issue arises, is paramount in reducing the amount of veteran unemployment, criminal activity , homelessness, and, most importantly, veterans suicide; improving their quality of life and positively impacting society as a whole.
Mission & Vision
Mission
Warrior Summit Coalition is dedicated to improving and enriching the quality of life for transitioning service members, veterans, and their families. military across the nation.
Vision
We envision a nation where every service member, veteran, and family thrives with seamless access to benefits, lifelong opportunities and a united community of support – ensuring that no warrior is ever left behind.
Veterans & Families Served
Veteran Organization Partners
Years of Impactful Service
Deparment of Veteran Affairs Recognitions
Presidential Volunteer Service Award
What We Do
Education & Awareness
We provide training, workshops, and outreach to ensure veterans and families understand their benefits and have the knowledge to access them. From navigating VA processes to supporting colleges with veteran outreach, we help warriors succeed in education and beyond.
Veteran Benefits Support
Our team connects veterans to disability, financial, housing, legal, and healthcare resources. By streamlining access to benefits, we empower veterans to thrive in every area of their lives.
Empowering Resource Fairs
Through large-scale community events, WSC unites veterans, families, and trusted organizations in one place. These gatherings connect thousands with employment opportunities, family services, and critical resources.
Events, Recreation, and Media
We build community through recreation, storytelling, and shared experiences. From sports outings and concerts to podcasts, TV shows, and livestreams, WSC creates spaces for connection, healing, and advocacy.
Family & Female Veteran Support
Recognizing the unique challenges of women veterans and military families, WSC provides tailored support networks, resources for children and dependents, and safe spaces for female warriors to connect and thrive.
Community & Veteran Advocacy
We work to influence policy, raise awareness, and strengthen the systems that serve veterans. Our history of legislative impact and national recognition underscores our commitment to lasting change.
Did You Know?
Approximately 16.5 million veterans who may be eligible for VA healthcare services are not enrolled in the program.
Approximately 9 million veterans are enrolled in the VA Healthcare System.
In January 2024 there were 32,882 Veterans who experienced homelessness in the U.S.
%
Approximately 60 percent of veterans are underemployed.
Our Impact
100,000 Veterans Served
We restore the land through sustainable farming and ecological healing—reviving soil, water, and biodiversity for future generations.
100+ Partnering Organizations
We uplift local voices by sharing tools, training, and resources—so communities can lead their own environmental solutions.
17+ Years of Impact
2008: UIC Veteran Task Force → 2009 Illinois Higher Ed Act → 2010 Inaugural Warrior Summit (4,000+ vets) → 2011 Collaboration with US .
How We Help
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Disability Benefits – Get support for claims and appeals.
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Education – Navigate GI Bill & succeed in college.
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Employment – Job readiness, fairs, HR connections.
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Housing – Assistance for housing & homelessness.
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Mental Health – Counseling & alternative therapies.
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Legal – Appeals, housing, veteran courts.
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Women & Families – Support for women veterans and families.
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Recreation & Discounts – Sports, outings & community.
Donate
Your gift creates access. $50 funds one enrollment assistance session; $250 supports a veteran resource fair; $1,000 brings benefits workshops and job-readiness sessions to communities.
“Warrior Summit Coalition is more than an organization — it’s a lifeline. By connecting veterans with benefits, jobs, and community support, WSC empowers them to thrive beyond their service.”