Iowa Lakes Community College receives a $587,298 grant to develop a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) on the Estherville and Emmetsburg Campuses. The center, funded by a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education, will support the success of Veteran students by coordinating services that address academic, financial, physical, and social needs.
“This center will provide a welcoming space and a new, improved way for us to meet the unique needs of our student Veterans and their families,” said Tim Ireland, the CEVSS Grant Director at Iowa Lakes. “People who have served our country and are now hoping to begin or continue their college education will have extra support transitioning out of the military, enrolling at Iowa Lakes, and completing their degree.”
With the grant, Iowa Lakes will expand upon existing military and veteran student services by developing a CEVSS to coordinate comprehensive support services, including academic, mental health, physical health, and enhanced learning opportunities. The overall goals of the center are to increase Veteran enrollment, improve Veteran academic success, and increase Veteran post-graduation outcomes.
“This grant makes it possible for us to expand on our existing tradition of supporting members of the military, Veteran students, and military dependents. Funding like this is crucial for our programs to grow and serve the Veterans who have served our country. We are grateful for their sacrifices, and we are pleased to have an opportunity to help them reach their educational and career goals,” shared Ireland.
In addition, Iowa Lakes will establish a Veteran student support team of members from key departments, including admissions, registrations, financial aid, Veteran’s benefits, academic advising, student health, career advising, and disabilities service.
Iowa Lakes is committed to providing services to student Veterans, service members, and dependents of the Armed Services with welcoming spaces, guidance on educational benefits, and engagement opportunities through the college and the larger Northwest Iowa Community.
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