BEND, OR -- Central Oregon Community College is getting a nearly $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund a new “Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success.” COCC’s Vice President of Student Affairs Alicia Moore says it’ll fund programs aimed at increasing the number of former military personnel enrolled at the school and help them be successful, "One of those is to start a very specific orientation program for veteran students, to help them manage the transition from what it’s like to be in the military to what it’s like to be in higher education. We’ll provide veteran-specific academic advising and career counseling." COCC is also creating a mentorship program where enrolled vets help support new veteran students. 

She says it can be tough for students to make that transition from boots to books, "When you’re in the military, and you’re in your military boots, you’re oftentimes told what you need to do, the vast majority of your actions throughout the day. In education, especially in higher education, we expect students to advocate for themselves. Which is a very different way of thinking that many students coming out of the military struggle with. The second piece is also to help veterans understand the many benefits that are available to them." She says many don't realize there is financial and other help available.

Moore adds, the grant also pays for increased staffing, "It will not only fund the three-quarter-time position, it will also fund a halftime veterans recruiting person - someone who can build connections with veteran-support agencies. It’ll also help fund any remodel of a veteran space, the student-specific orientation, the career counseling, all of that type of work is covered by this grant."

She tells KBND News COCC ranks second among Oregon community colleges for  the number of enrolled vets, making up nearly 10% of its student body, "Majority of our veteran students are enrolled in our aviation program, which allows them to get their degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems, fixed-wing pilot license or helicopter license. Students are certainly in other programs; but that is one that is a big attractor for veterans."

The Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success is expected to open at COCC in the fall. Federal funding will last three years; after which time, Moore hopes COCC can cover expenses on its own to continue the program.