There are many things we can be proud of at Clover Park Technical College. One recent addition to our campus that we can feel the swell of pride for is the way we serve those who serve our country: our veterans. We have several veterans services, including one that opened in October, the Vet Corps Program.
In the collection of Washington's veteran-friendly campuses, our college has been designated a "pioneer school" and is known as a beacon to the other 46 schools in the state that have also received funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs to set up Vet Corps Programs.
Kara Hayes, Vet Navigator of the program, invited me to see the Veterans Resource Center, located in Building 22. "Between Phil Terry and Mike Anderson," were the landmarks she gave me. So on a very chilly December afternoon, I walked into the softly-lighted cave of an area, impressed by the way such a large space had been transformed into a warm, welcoming environment for veterans, or, for that matter, any student. Off to one side, there was a well-lit bank of nine computers. To the right of the computers, there was a door leading to an area for anyone needing the quiet and space of a small meeting room.
On this particular day, two Vet Navigators from other Washington colleges were there, to share with Kara about their programs and learn what they could about CPTC's. One Vet Navigator works out of the Workforce Education Office, a "one-stop" set-up for their veterans, and has a veterans club on campus. The other is not yet located in a designated area, and works out of their student government office, but does have a program for vets who would like to become involved in a Rotary apprenticeship. Both were as dedicated to their veterans as Kara is to ours.
"We'd like to eventually offer workshops for vets," Kara said, "and introduce them to programs such as 'Troops to Teachers,' which is geared specifically to vets who have come back from Afghanistan or Iraq and are looking to transition into a civilian career in education."
The state's Department of Veterans Affairs is affiliated with Americorps, whose goal is to conserve the air, water, and recycle. Vets with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) who work outdoors find it's a great stress reliever. Projects to restore streams and plant trees, as well as the opportunity to become involved with Habitat for Humanity are some options available through CPTC's Vet Corps Program's partnership with Americorps.
All things considered, it doesn't get more vet friendly than CPTC's Veterans Resource Center in
Building 22. Hats off to the Center and Kara!
Contact Information:
Kara Hayes, Veterans Navigator
Kara.hayes@cptc.edu (253) 539-5966
Building 22
Hours: 0900-1600 or 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Veterans Resource Center, guiding veterans to resources in the community and...
* Online applications for the G.I. Bills and Post 9/11 G.I. Bill
* Online applications for service-connected disability benefits
* Online applications for VA healthcare
* Online applications to all WDVA grants assistance programs
* Online application for volunteer opportunities
You may want to visit the Veterans Resource Center if you:
* Are family of a member of active duty Army, Marine, Air Force, or Navy
* Recently exited active duty and would like help getting started with the paperwork for your GI bill, VA healthcare, or filing disability claims
* Are a veteran interesting in pursuing a new career
* Are a CPTC continuing education veteran
* Are a returning CPTC veteran student
* Are a student veteran at CPTC and desire to work, study, and play in a calming and relaxing
environment
* Are a veteran student and desire fellowship with other military family members, active or veteran
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