Resources

The CPTC Veterans Resource Center is a place for veterans and their family members to connect with other veterans and non-veterans to create and learn about community resources within the college and surrounding communities. In addition, the center provides services specifically designed for veterans.  It is not just an office, but rather a place where veterans can find and build their community within the college. 

In addition to the CPTC Vet Corp Veterans Navigator, Peer Navigators are available to assist current and prospective military-connected students with accessing benefits as well as providing referrals to a number of campus and community resources with the goal of helping veterans balance their academic and personal demands. Specific services include:  

• Tutoring 
• Support for veterans' student group 
• Activities for veteran and military students and their families 
• Public presentations and speakers 
• Workshops for veteran and military students 
• Faculty and staff training 
• Food pantry 
  
  The Veterans Resource Center is located in Building 2, Room 109 on the Lakewood Campus. 

Lower Columbia College is committed to ensuring that all veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, and their families have access to the educational benefits and resources entitled to them.

Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding More than a Veteran supportive campus.

For the past 6 years, since NWSWB officially enrolled to become a veteran supportive campus with WDVA, we have grown, learned and adapted over the passing days. I stand 4th in line as the Vetcorps representative for our school, which is tucked away in Port Hadlock, WA. The passing of the position has been a serene service from veteran student to veteran student. Chiefly, with the support of the school, staff, and all students we interact with, everyone is keen to support all veterans at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. Part of the reasoning: the school itself is greatly invested in the surrounding community and cultures.

Having attended multiple educational institutes across the U.S. I have had my share of what, “I” thought schools were like, as a veteran supportive campus. That is until I enrolled in NWSWB back in 2018. Once the selection process has been made, which happens quickly but with much deliberation, all staff reach out and contact the selected students and veteran students. I was contacted by the then, Vetcorps team member. Letting me know, and ensuring there is and will be a veteran on campus to assist with any questions and concerns. I was contacted multiple times, via email, phone calls, even letters USPS.

The amount of effort and stamina the school gives every year to all students. New, returning, and veterans. Goes beyond what a supportive campus is. Port Hadlock,WA is a very small town next to multiple tiny towns on the peninsula. People come from all over the globe to attend our school programs, including service members about to exit the United States Military. And no matter where you are coming from, moving to a small community, even from a small town, can be, and is, trying. The School sets ALL students first, and communicates with everyone about moving to the peninsula with a clear and honest picture.

The full reason I chose to become a VC rep. after they asked if I would join the schools team was the fact they want no gaps in communication and interaction with current local veterans, veteran students and any veteran interested in our programs. NWSWB works with and supports the Vetcorps representative in the new school year and through. All school staff listen and participate in any and all training seminars held by the current Vetcorps member. NWSWB Executive Director has a huge part and heart for the veterans that attend here. They ensure all are being heard and listen to on a daily basis. One big precedent of Veteran supportive Campus institutions involves providing a space for Veterans. The space is intended for resources, communication, meditation, and gatherings. When NWSWB was accepted as a “VSC”, the school created a space for the Veterans. Called the “Veterans Loft”. With all the High energy to set up a Vet space, a few ideas arose.  The campus heard, listened, and walked the talk. With the aid of current Veteran students, Veteran instructor, and the Vet Corps member. We worked with the Executive Director and found a location suited for our new “Veteran Student Resource Center”.

NWSWB-VSRC is fully furnished and equipped for all students to utilize to the fullest. NWSWB provided resources, time, equipment, material, and assistance for setting up our VSRC to be ready for the first class back in March 2021. They allowed myself and the other Veteran students to partake in setting up the space for all to feel welcomed. With the effort and flexibility of all the staff and instructors at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. It has allowed myself and our Veteran Students to tend to what has to be. The confidence the school has in every Vetcorps member that comes through. Allows us to work with the veteran students more freely and openly. While it maybe going into there perspective shop, setting up a meet and greet with our local Vetconnect aid, Rita Frangoni. Allowing the students to attend any and all events held out of school,during school hours. But also, NWSWB, like said before. Are heavily invested in our surrounding community and sister schools. As a VC member. My duty is to serve those who served. And that doesn’t stop at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. I assist Port Townsen School of Woodworking veteran students when needed. I work with NWSWB in setting up a relation with PTSWW to stay in contact with students. In which, I believe helps more then the community. It helps a human in more ways then we know.

Olympic College is a public two-year community college that educates more than 13,000 students a year. Founded in 1946, the college has three campuses in Bremerton, Poulsbo, and Shelton and serves a population of 280,000 residents living in Kitsap and Mason Counties. Olympic College Military & Veterans Programs’ mission is to serve Veterans, Active Duty, and their dependents in their educational goals every step of the way. Assisting in Outreach, Enrollment, Transitions, Navigating and processing VA (Veteran Affairs) and DoD (Department of Defense) Benefits, and advising to meet their specific needs.  Military & Veterans Programs (MVP) Support Center provides a centralized location for Active Duty, Veterans, and their dependents to obtain assistance with their education benefits, receive tutoring, have computer and printer access and the ability to work closely with military success coaches, support specialist, Vet Corps and VA certifying officials. The MVP Benefits Office provides a wide number of services, with a focus on students who are accessing benefits from the Department of VA, Department of Defense-Education, and Washington State.

MVP is also a partner PAVE campus. PAVE is a peer support program that connects incoming student veterans with student veterans already on campus to help them navigate college life, identify challenges they face, refer them to appropriate resources on or off-campus, and provide ongoing support. Through peer support from other student veterans on campus, PAVE builds on the camaraderie veterans' experience in the military to create a sense of community and connectedness that contributes to academic and personal success.

The Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC) at UW Tacoma serves as a resource for students providing support and referrals throughout campus and our community. The VMRC is also responsible for developing and offering campus programming that benefits our military-connected students. The VMRC comprises two staff: the Veteran and Military Services Staff and the Veterans Incubator for Better Entrepreneurship (VIBE) Staff.

The Veteran and Military Services Staff is here to help military veterans and their dependents access their VA educational benefits and Washington state tuition waivers. Our benefits advisors can provide you with general benefit information as well as certify your educational services.

Wellness, Arts, and the Military (WAM) is part of the ArtsWA Community of Care Initiative. WAM supports the growth of artists and arts organizations who have arts and wellness programs for military connected communities. WAM began in 2017 as a Community Connections Project supported by the NEA Creative Forces Military Healing Arts Network. Through summits, convenings, and key partnerships, the WAM program has grown to include arts programming grants, training, funding, and outreach.

Welcome!

We are here to support your transition into higher learning by:

• Providing a peer connection for veterans new to higher education.

• Helping the college to meet the needs of student veterans.

• Providing veterans with connections to federal, state or local veterans resources.