NSCC to hold college fair to assist returning vets

LYNN – North Shore Community College will kick off a Veterans Service pilot program tonight with a Veteran’s College Fair on the school’s Lynn Campus.As veterans of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to return home from active duty service, the college is proposing a system of services that would improve service men and women’s access to postsecondary education and help facilitate their transition to civilian life and work.Over the past three years, NSCC has reported an increase in veteran enrollment at both its Danvers and Lynn campuses, with 180 identified veterans currently enrolled in various programs.According to the National Veterans Foundation approximately 30,000 Iraq War veterans returned to Massachusetts as of November 2007, many of whom are looking to begin leading a normal civilian life after their service.Although soldiers frequently enlist in the service with the hopes of returning home to complete a college degree using their GI benefits, for many there are significant barriers to cross before realizing this goal.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 15 percent of 20-24 year-olds returning from Afghanistan and Iraq are unemployed – three times the national average.Delays in funding from the Montgomery GI bill cause students already enrolled in school to miss classes because they cannot make tuition payments in time, and post-traumatic stress disorder continues to increase in veterans returning from the front lines of battle.Mental health issues and subsequent substance abuse problems are keeping many veterans out of the classroom and out of a job, which has led to a spike in divorce, domestic abuse and homelessness.With all of these factors in mind, NSCC is hoping to provide support and services to local veterans, not only assisting in enrollment and success in the classroom, but also aiding in the often-difficult transition to civilian life.The proposed three-stage pilot program running in both Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 semesters will help veterans access benefits, enter college and address readjustment issues through personal development and training and individualized career and educational plans.Beginning with outreach and assessment, the school will assist veterans every step of the way leading toward the development of a permanent Veterans Services Program or center at NSCC and the creation of a Veterans Services Web page.Based on 180 current veterans at NSCC, the school’s target for the fall semester is 60 new students identified and served with one or more preliminary program services.Veterans will either enroll as NSCC students or as potential NSCC students participating in services, workshops, seminars and career development plans.The program will kick off tonight from 6-8 p.m. in the NSCC Lynn Campus second floor cafeteria. Light refreshments will be served and there will be a raffle.Veterans will receive information on the college admissions process, credit for military service, credit transfer, benefits, financial information and health care and disability service.For more information, veterans can contact Ray D. Parker at 781-593-6722 x 6683 or by email at [email protected], or Jen Kirk at 978-762-4000 x 4333 or at [email protected].