September 15, 2015

At Olympic College, Kilmer Announces Grant to Create New Student Center for Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, while visiting Olympic College in Bremerton U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced the college received a Department of Education (DOE) grant to create a new student center for veterans. The three year grant for more than $300,000 will start a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) designed to boost veteran enrollment and help ensure that they complete programs to earn degrees. 

This investment allows Olympic College to hire additional staff that will provide enhanced advising and orientation; conduct vigorous outreach; develop systems to monitor student success and ensure early follow up if students are struggling; in addition to providing extensive staff training and professional development.

“This award is great news for the continued growth of OC as a destination for veterans and active-duty servicemembers,” said Kilmer. “It will help military members further their education and learn new trades at Olympic College. This investment reinforces how much Olympic College does for members of the military and their families by helping them transition into the next phase of their careers.” 

“Rep. Kilmer has long been a supporter of OC and it is an honor to have him here today acknowledging our commitment to the many veterans who chose our College as they transition into the civilian workforce,” OC President Dr. David Mitchell said. “This grant is an example of how strong support from Washington D.C. can lead to the types of program veterans deserve for serving our country.”  

During the announcement Olympic College also signed a biennial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Washington state Department of Veterans Affairs to continue their participation with the Partners for Veteran Supportive Services.

Among the thing the MOU seeks to accomplish are:

  • Increase awareness of veteran’s programs on and off campus
  • Encourage campuses to implement best practices and policies to support and welcome veterans
  • Help veterans succeed in post-secondary education and training

“The College is proud to participate in the Partners for Veteran Supportive Services program as it strengthens our ties with other colleges in the consortium and ensures we are providing the support and services that our military veterans and their families need to be successful in their transition from the military into higher education,” OC Director of Military Education and Veteran Services Jerimiah Meyer said.

Olympic College serves a large number of veterans and dependents in Washington state. A 2014 report from the State Community and Technical College system found that OC serves the seconding highest number of veterans in Washington state’s community college system.

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