Kane went on the campus at Middlesex Community College and noticed the Veterans Resource Center brightly decorated with the American flag. He learned that there are significant opportunities for veterans to complete training in higher education with supportive services from the application process through completion. The program at Middlesex Community College is geared towards providing support through the higher education journey but also to increase the graduation success rate.
There is a Veterans Resources Center on both the Bedford and Lowell campus besides administrative support the VRC provides workshops on career readiness, financial literacy, academic planning, and community engagement.
The Director of Veterans & Military affairs at Middlesex Community College, Josue Nunez is both an alumnus of Middlesex Community College and disabled veteran. (Middlesesx.edu)
He explained in his biography on the MCC page that he had mentors through his college experience and now supports the experience of other Veterans going through school. Kane loves the idea of mentor support for our veterans.
The office will provide assistance with developing an academic plan from a certificate to an associate’s degree, evaluate how the joint service transcript may help with goals, and evaluate any veteran or military educational benefits that may be used towards achieving higher education goals.
Many adults who served in the military may find themselves in need of certain certifications later in life due to changing career goals, these adults who have worked for years may be eligible for credit from prior learning, including military service.
Kane would like adults returning to college after military service to meet with a Veterans advisor to see if they are eligible to receive college credit for their service in the military.
Discharging from the Military is a major life transition.
Kane learned that Middlesex Community College has the VITAL Program to help with the physical and emotional challenges of transitioning to civilian life and life on campus. The vital program assists veterans in accessing clinical care, coordination of care with the Veterans Administration, and collaborative care and coordination of resources.
Kane learned in Massachusetts attending a community college may be tuition free for members of the population who have not attended college before, this in combination with the education benefits offered through the VA, creates a very affordable option for higher education training.
Kane learned that many students, including veterans, save money by attending Community College for two years then transferring into a 4-year college to complete a bachelor’s degree in two additional years. Kane would encourage veterans to inquire what educational benefits are offered through the VA at benefits.va.gov.
If you would like to inquire about starting your higher education journey at Middlesex Community College as a veteran, contact the Veterans’ Resource Office at 781-280-3584 vrc@middlesex.edu.
Happy studying my friends. ◊