San Diego and Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association

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Military Friendly Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges are included in the 2013 list of “military friendly schools” by G.I. Jobs, a national monthly magazine focusing on veterans making the transition to the civilian workforce. Its “Guide to Military Friendly Schools” honored the top 15 percent of 12,000 colleges, universities, community colleges and vocational schools polled for doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students and to assist veterans with their educational goals. The colleges are members of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium, a group that has imposed military-friendly practices such as awarding credit for military training and experience. As recommended by the American Council on Education guidelines, up to 20 units of credit can be awarded for work similar to our college courses. W ith more than 260,000 veterans residing in San Diego County and the largest number of military retirees anywhere in the nation, this region is rightly known as a military town. The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District values the contributions and sacrifices made by the men and women of the U.S. armed forces. The district has seen its enrollment of veterans climb to more than 2,000 a year since the 2008 enactment of the Post 9/11 G.I Bill. This trend is expected to continue as the U.S. military offensive winds down in the Middle East and returning soldiers enroll in our colleges in their transition back to civilian life. Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges offer an array of services and programs for veterans, active-duty military and their dependents. The district is deeply committed to helping those who count on the education and training provided as they embark on their journey toward future success. Services and benefits our colleges provide include: Priority class registration for those enrolling within four years of their separation from service. With budget cuts sharply reducing class offerings, first-in-line privileges are a major benefit to veterans. Counselors well-versed in the needs of veterans. Workshops, orientations, as well as veteran-specific counseling, assessments and educational planning are offered. Transition-skills classes help veterans improve their note-taking and testing, time management, and other skills needed for college success. Veteran services are based on a comprehensive network between Admission and Records, Financial Aid, Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS), and Counseling. Veteran Affairs Offices with staff trained in the certification of classes to ensure veterans are receiving VA benefits such as housing allowances and payment for fees and textbooks promptly and efficiently A 500-square-foot Veterans Resource Center at Grossmont College is staffed by veterans and provides access to computers and assistive technologies, academic counseling, peer support and mentoring, financial aid resources and referrals to outside agencies. When it opened in 2010, the VRC was one of only 15 in community colleges statewide. VA Work Study programs that provide paid work experience at the colleges’ veterans’ offices, VA Regional Office, VA medical facilities or at state employment offices. DSPS connects veterans to community-based resources for assistance with post-traumatic stress disorder counseling and learning disability assessment. A VA-backed program provides private tutoring to qualifying veterans. Student Veteran Organizations foster camaraderie between members and provide outreach to fellow veterans. Cuyamaca College’s weeklong activities leading up to Veterans Day 2011 included a breakfast for veteran students, a Skype session with a soldier in Afghanistan, and a presentation to faculty and staff by former military members and experts on the challenges many veterans face adjusting to campus life. 22 SDICCCA
MiraCosta CoMMunity College serves veterans Quick Facts MiraCosta College sits just a few miles from the main gate of the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. We are a twoyear comprehensive college that prides itself on serving veterans as they advance in their military careers or seek to transition into a civilian occupation. • In addition to serving more than 500 active military and more than 1,000 dependents of active duty military, we serve more than 1,200 veterans. • More than 50% of California veterans using their educational benefits attend a community college. • For every $1 invested in veterans’ education, $7 is generated. Background With a 10,000 troop drawdown from Afghanistan at the end of 2011, another 23,000 drawdown scheduled by the end of 2012, and the ending of the war in Iraq, the nation needs to prepare to welcome our men and women in uniform home. It is our responsibility both as a country and as a community that sits adjacent to the Marine Corps’ largest west coast base to honor our veterans’ service not just in words but also in deeds. MiraCosta College is answering the call by gearing up to provide veterans the support and programs they need to successfully transition to civilian life. Veterans exiting the military, especially those who have experienced combat, can find the transition back to civilian life extremely challenging. It is estimated that 400,000 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer mental health problems due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and brain injuries inflicted by roadside bombs. In addition, many find themselves jobless and/or homeless after they are discharged. At any given time, there are a quarter of a million veterans living on the streets. And, sadly, the unemployment rate for vets serving since the Iraq war began is at 12%, compared to the national average of 8.5%, with an even higher rate for young male vets 18-24 at 29.1%. Meeting Our Veterans’ Needs In light of these statistics and the increasing numbers of returning military personnel, MiraCosta College is stepping up its support to veterans, knowing that the most likely path into a secure and stable future is through educational attainment. For veterans, starting their transition to civilian life at the nearby community college, with a 100% acceptance rate; affordable tuition and fees; and a full spectrum of educational options including vocational training, remedial education, as well as access to our university transfer and honors programs, is often the best choice. Because of MiraCosta College’s proximity to Camp Pendleton, we have already experienced a 100% increase in veteran enrollment over the last five years —from 567 in 2006 to 1,230 in 2011–2012. With the drawdowns, as well as the Marine Corps’ new discharge plan, we anticipate a continued increase in veteran enrollment over the next three years. Current programs: • A Veterans Benefits Services Office where students are aided in applying for educational benefits and in academic planning • Augmented and specialized counseling in the areas of mental health—especially PTSD and traumatic brain injury • Student-led Veterans Club • A dedicated Veteran’s Information Center that provides a place for veterans to go for free computer access and for socializing, respite and most importantly, peer support How a Specific Dollar Amount Can Help a Student MiraCosta College Foundation Linda L. Fogerson Executive Director 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056 P 760.795.6775 M 858.822.9344 lfogerson@miracosta.edu foundation.miracosta.edu A gift of: $150 $758 $1,250 $3,000 $15,000 $25,000 purchases a textbook. pays fees for one semester. pays for textbooks for one year. pays fees and textbooks for one year. endows a one-semester scholarship—$500 for a MiraCosta College student every year, forever. endows a full-year scholarship—$1,000 for a MiraCosta College student every year, forever. 2012 INFORMATION BOOKLET 23
Page 1: San Diego and Imperial Counties Com
Page 5 and 6: On-Base College Programs For many y
Page 7 and 8: Speakers Bios Constance M. Carroll,
Page 10: PRODUCED BY SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COL

San Diego and Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association

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