Over the past five years, more than 500 veterans and veteran dependents have prepared for new careers following their military service though 麻豆视频鈥檚 Veterans Program, which helps service men and women receive assistance and support using their 庐 benefits. Students such as Angel Mendoza have used YVC鈥檚 program to earn a post-secondary credential and prepare for well-paying, in-demand careers in the Yakima Valley.
As a veteran and 麻豆视频 student, Angel Mendoza understands the challenges of navigating the VA system firsthand. After exhausting his G.I. Bill benefits, Mendoza enrolled in the program through the VA, which now covers his tuition and books.
鈥淭his support has been tremendously helpful鈥攅specially since I don鈥檛 qualify for traditional financial aid,鈥� Mendoza said. 鈥淚t allows me to focus on my studies without the added stress of financial burdens.鈥�
Mendoza, who is working toward a degree in information technology, also works for an organization that helps veterans access their VA benefits. 鈥淎s a veteran myself, I understand how challenging it can be to access benefits鈥攅specially when using the G.I. Bill,鈥� he said. 鈥淪upporting other veterans through that process is something I take great pride in.鈥�
After finishing his degree, Mendoza hopes to secure a position where he can continue to grow and learn as much as possible.
鈥淵VC has been extremely successful in helping veterans of all ages succeed in a college atmosphere,鈥� said Veterans Coordinator Mari Diaz. 鈥淥ur staff and advisors think very highly of the veteran population and tutoring and education and degree counseling is available to students.鈥�
Diaz also said that YVC鈥檚 veteran graduation rate is the highest among the student population and the college has been designated as a .
鈥淵VC offers military veterans and their families services like education benefits and other resource information and help with financial aid assistance along with their military benefits,鈥� continued Diaz. 鈥淲e support students in the application process for VA Education Benefits, assist with the application and enrollment process at YVC, help with financial aid benefits, and provide mentoring and support to students throughout the duration of their studies. In addition, several children and spouses of veterans are receiving support while attending 麻豆视频.鈥�
Veterans are eligible for more than 50 associate and bachelor degree options and more than 100 short-term certificates of achievement offered at YVC, including opportunities for transfer to four-year institutions. For more information about YVC鈥檚 Veterans Program contact Mari Diaz at 509.574.4715 or mdiaz@yvcc.edu.
麻豆视频 invites the community to celebrate Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from noon to 1 p.m. The event will feature cake, refreshments, a card-making station and a guest speaker. Activities will take place in the HUB on the Yakima campus and the SAC on the Grandview campus.