Sonoran Desert Institute Earns 2025 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award
- Steve Ross
Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is proud to announce that it has been awarded the 2025 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award by the U.S. Department of Labor for the seventh consecutive year.
This federal recognition honors employers who demonstrate a sustained commitment to recruiting, employing, and retaining veterans. Earning the Gold designation for seven consecutive years reflects SDI’s ongoing efforts to support those who have served and to build a workplace where veterans can continue to grow professionally.
Administered through the U.S. Department of Labor’s HIRE Vets Program, the award recognizes measurable outcomes in veteran hiring, retention, and workforce integration.
We are grateful to the team members across SDI who help create an environment where veterans can translate their military experience into meaningful civilian careers.
“Seven consecutive years at the Gold level reflect the genuine commitment I see every day to supporting veterans and their long-term success. I am grateful to be part of a team that truly embodies this mission.”
— Sam Field, Military and Veterans Services Specialist
What Is the HIRE Vets Medallion Award?
The HIRE Vets Medallion Program was established through the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets Act), signed into law on May 5, 2017. The Act directed the Secretary of Labor to create a federal recognition program honoring employers that demonstrate strong support for veteran employment.
Following the announcement of the Final Rule (20 C.F.R. § 1011) in November 2017, the program officially launched in January 2018, with the first awards issued in 2019.
Administered by the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), the HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the only federal-level award specifically recognizing employers for excellence in veteran hiring, retention, and professional development.
Gold-Level Recognition: What It Means
Employers voluntarily apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award each year. Award levels—Platinum and Gold—are determined by organization size and performance against specific criteria.
To qualify for the Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award, employers must meet defined benchmarks demonstrating meaningful support for veterans. While requirements vary by company size, core criteria include:
Veteran Hiring Metrics
A required percentage of new hires must be veterans, or the organization must demonstrate strong veteran retention from the previous year.
Veteran Workforce Representation
Veterans must represent a minimum percentage of the total workforce.
Integration and Support Programs
Employers must provide structured programs that support veterans’ transition and long-term success. These may include employee resource groups, leadership development initiatives, targeted recruitment efforts, HR-driven retention strategies, or veteran-focused benefits such as tuition assistance or pay differentials.
Employers must also remain in full compliance with federal labor laws related to veteran employment, including the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA).
A Continued Commitment to Veterans
Earning the 2025 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award underscores SDI’s sustained efforts to build a workplace that values the experience, leadership, and discipline veterans bring to civilian careers.
“This is awesome and something to be proud of as a veteran employee owner. Seven years is how long I’ve been with SDI.”
— Jake Burden, Financial Services Advisor I
From recruitment and onboarding to professional growth and advancement opportunities, SDI remains committed to fostering an environment where veterans can continue to develop professionally after military service.
For veterans interested in learning more about SDI’s military-connected student resources and support services, visit our Military and Veteran Services page.
Looking Ahead
Sonoran Desert Institute looks forward to continuing its participation in the HIRE Vets Medallion Program and strengthening its veteran-focused initiatives in the years ahead.
This recognition reflects the dedication of the SDI team and reinforces the institution’s commitment to supporting those who have served.
Interested in Working with SDI?
As a recognized veteran-supportive employer, SDI welcomes applications from veterans and military-connected professionals interested in contributing to a mission-driven educational environment.
To explore career opportunities with Sonoran Desert Institute, visit our Careers page and apply online.
Military and Veteran Student Support
SDI provides dedicated support for military-connected students.
Admissions
Email: admissions@sdi.edu
Phone: 480-999-4767
Military and Veteran Services Office
Email: mvs@sdi.edu
Phone: 800-336-8939 Ext. 7
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