CCC Celebrates Opening of Veterans Education & Training Center

Friday, October 30, 2009

CCC will celebrate the grand opening of the Veterans Education & Training Center on Wednesday, Nov. 18, beginning at 9 a.m. in DeJardin Hall.

The Veterans Education & Training (VET) Center is one of many initiatives under way at CCC to enhance efforts to serve veterans in the community and region. Earlier this year, the college was awarded a $381,000 congressional award to help veterans navigate the higher-education system and integrate into civilian life.

The VET Center at CCC is designed to support veterans and active military in the Portland Metro area, as well as spouses and family members, through providing information about education and training opportunities and critical community resources. College staff specializing in veterans’ affairs will be available to assist veterans in the center.

CCC has substantially increased its services to veterans over the past few years including job training opportunities, credit for prior learning, dedicated counselors to work with veterans, a veterans’ club and financial aid support. The CCC Foundation established the Military Families Scholarship Endowment, providing scholarship support to the families of service members and veterans.

With the federal award, the college will hire a veterans’ affairs coordinator, who will help develop the VET Center. A major reintegration event for Oregon National Guard members returning from overseas deployment is planned for fall 2010.

For information about the grand opening of the VET Center, please contact Shelly Parini at 503-594-3015. For information about veterans’ services at the college, contact Bill Zuelke at 503-594-3430.