Highmark and PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Partner to Host Education and Employment Symposium for Local Veterans

CAMP HILL, Pa., April 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Highmark Blue Shield and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) are collaborating to host a first-ever local education and employment symposium for veterans. Activities will be held at Highmark's Center Street offices, 1800 Center Street, Camp Hill, Pa. on Friday, April 20 beginning at 2 p.m.

"With the drawdown of active and reserve servicemen and women, we have the honor and duty to assist in the reintegration of our veterans back to the commonwealth," said Brig. Gen. Mike Gould, the state's deputy adjutant general for veterans affairs. "The symposium is our opportunity to meet face-to-face with returning service members and showcase what is available to them in terms of education, employment, and veterans benefits. I guarantee that it will be a worthwhile experience for the veterans who attend."

The program has been designed to give participants an opportunity to meet and network with representatives from midstate employers, colleges and universities to learn about resources provided by the DMVA and the Lebanon VA Medical Center.

There is no charge to participate in the program. A variety of information will also be discussed and shared, including veteran resources for benefits and transition assistance, educational and employment opportunities.

"Our collaboration with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs allows us to bring this important information to veterans from across our area," said Sara Oliver-Carter, Highmark's vice president of diversity and inclusion. "Highmark has been a long-time leader in the region and state for responding to the unique needs of veterans. With pending changes to federal regulations that impact the employment of people with disabilities on the horizon, Highmark remains a military and disability-friendly employer looking to attract new talent to fill job openings within our company."

"We believe that this program will attract highly qualified talent into current and future job openings," said Oliver-Carter. "Highmark is excited to host a program that will help veterans see that employers, colleges and universities throughout the area will come together to help those who have defended our country's freedoms."

For local veterans who would like to participate, or to learn more about the program, please call (717) 302-6880. Free on-site parking will be available, and veterans looking for jobs are encouraged to bring their resumes to share with potential employers.

SOURCE Highmark Inc.