Sonoran Desert Institute Receives 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor

December 6, 2024 – Tempe, AZ – Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is proud to announce it has been awarded the Gold HIRE Vets Medallion, a distinguished honor recognizing employers who excel in recruiting, hiring, and retaining America’s veterans. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program, authorized under the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act), is the only federal award program dedicated to recognizing exceptional support for veteran employment.

Walter Howard, SDI’s Director of Military and Veteran Services, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Earning the HIRE Vets Medallion reflects SDI’s steadfast commitment to the military-connected community. By hiring and retaining veterans, we benefit from their exceptional skills, experience, and work ethic and uphold our mission to provide meaningful opportunities for their professional growth.”

SDI joins 839 other companies from 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans, but also ensuring that they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service.

To qualify for the 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Award, recipients met stringent criteria that included:

• Veteran hiring and retention rates
• Access to veteran-specific resources
• Leadership and development opportunities for veterans
• Dedicated HR efforts for veteran integration
• Competitive compensation and tuition assistance programs

Learn More About SDI’s Exceptional Workplace

In addition to earning the Gold HIRE Vets Medallion, SDI is also recognized as a Great Place to Work Certified™ organization in 2024. Discover more about this achievement here.

SDI is a distance learning institute, which means students enjoy the benefits of flexible online learning and access to experienced staff without having to travel or relocate. SDI provides the materials, instruction, and support to help students succeed.

The SDI Military & Veteran Services department assists students in achieving academic, personal, and professional success. They provide advocacy and support for our military-connected students by offering outreach, student-engagement, and personalized assistance.

For more information on how SDI assists and empowers veterans all over the country, go to https://sdi.edu/military/.

About the HIRE Vets Medallion Program

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring, and retaining veterans. 

There are different awards for large employers (500-plus employees), medium employers (51–499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Additionally, there are two award tiers: Platinum and Gold.

Work with SDI

SDI prides itself on assisting veterans to learn the skills and techniques they need to be successful in and out of the classroom. If you want to join us in helping our student-veterans, click here to apply today!

For all questions regarding enrollment, course, and program information, contact Admissions,
EMAIL: admissions@sdi.edu
PHONE: 480-999-4767

For questions about Military and Veteran Services,
EMAIL: mvs@sdi.edu
PHONE: 800-336-8939 Ext. 7

Other questions? Contact Marketing,
EMAIL: marketing@sdi.edu
PHONE: 602-903-4907