CCC Awarded ‘Success for Veterans’ Grant

Monday, April 27, 2009

CCC is one of 20 institutions across the United States to receive a $100,000 grant to serve veterans, awarded through the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Wal-Mart Foundation. The grants, announced Thursday, were awarded to colleges and universities that operate model programs advancing access and success in higher education for veterans and their families.

The grants given to each of these institutions will support efforts to create online veterans-specific orientation programs, expand on-campus veterans service centers, enhance prospective student outreach efforts, and increase capacity for counseling and psychological services.

“We recognize the sacrifices these men and women have made for our country. We are honored to provide services that will help our veterans find success in civilian life,” said Dr. Joanne Truesdell, president of CCC. “This generous grant not only acknowledges the college’s efforts for veterans, but will enable us to expand and enhance our services.”

CCC has been actively working to serve veterans for many years, but has increased its services over the past few years. In 2007, CCC entered into a partnership with the Oregon National Guard. The partnership, called Operation College Success, is aimed at enhancing reintegration efforts for soldiers returning from duty.

The CCC Foundation created the Military Families Scholarship Endowment two years ago to provide educational support for families of soldiers. In addition, the college dedicates staff to assist veterans and recently opened a Veterans’ Center at the college.

ACE received nearly 250 applications for Success for Veterans Award Grants, which were reviewed by a selection committee of higher education leaders, program and policy directors and veterans. Thirty semifinalists were selected and reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of retired college and university chancellors and presidents. Selection criteria included quality and sustainability of the existing programs and initiatives, as well as strategies for disseminating best practices to other institutions.

“It’s an honor to be included in this group of schools serving our veterans,” said Bill Zuelke, dean of Student Services at CCC. “We know that many returning soldiers are underemployed. At Clackamas, our goal is to provide the support and services to find success.”

Clackamas will use the grant to expand outreach to veterans and develop standards for awarding credit for military training and experience.

For more information, contact Bill Zuelke at 503-657-6958, ext. 2268.