Chemeketa Community College Awarded Grant to Enhance Veteran Student Support

Chemeketa Community College has been awarded a prestigious $499,969 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to further expand its services for student veterans. The Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) grant recognizes Chemeketa’s outstanding efforts to support veterans and offers new opportunities for growth and innovation in the college’s programs for veteran students.

Angela Archer, Associate Dean of Academic Advising and First Year Programs, has played a key role in securing the grant. Archer, along with her team, has worked diligently to develop and grow the Chemeketa Veterans Resource Center, which provides essential services to student veterans. The funding will be used to enhance support services through a trauma-informed, holistic approach, addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of this vital student population.

“This grant is a testament to the exceptional work being done to support our student veterans,” said Archer. “We are excited to continue expanding our services and to offer a comprehensive support system that will help our veterans succeed both academically and personally.”

The grant will fund a number of initiatives aimed at improving veteran student success, including the hiring of a Full-Time Veterans Center Coordinator to oversee services and initiatives. Additionally, the college will implement Green Zone Training for faculty and staff to increase awareness of the challenges veterans face, particularly as they transition from military to civilian life.

Chemeketa’s commitment to supporting student veterans goes beyond simply offering resources. The college plans to provide supplies and support services designed to assist veterans in overcoming barriers and achieving their educational goals. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to increase graduation rates and foster meaningful peer connections, both on campus and within the surrounding community.

Dr. Jessica Howard, President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College, expressed her pride in the institution’s efforts to serve veterans. “This grant underscores Chemeketa’s dedication to providing a welcoming, supportive environment for our student veterans,” Howard said. “We are honored to lead the way in developing a model Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success that will transform lives and build a brighter future for our veterans and their families.”

Chemeketa’s program aligns with its mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, emphasizing equity, access, and success for all students. By expanding support services tailored to the needs of veterans, Chemeketa aims to create a sustainable framework for veteran success, not only within the college but also in the communities it serves.

The funding will also help foster a culture of understanding and support by equipping faculty and staff with the tools they need to better serve student veterans. The Green Zone Training, for example, will provide training to staff on how to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by veterans, ensuring they receive the specialized support they need.

By investing in these initiatives, Chemeketa is making a long-term commitment to the success of its student veterans, helping them achieve their academic goals and successfully transition to civilian life.

“This grant represents an incredible opportunity to not only support our veterans but also to honor their service by giving them the resources they need to thrive,” said Archer. “It’s about creating an environment where veterans can excel, and we are proud to be leading the way in this important work.”

Chemeketa’s new Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success will serve as a model for other institutions, further strengthening the college’s reputation as a leader in veteran support and reinforcing its commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.