Brand-new Veteran's Center Opens on Maryland Community College Campus
Largo, Maryland (PRWEB) May 10, 2015 -- The Office of Institutional Advancement at Prince George’s Community College is proud to announce that a grant from United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) will establish a robust resource center designed for PGCC student veterans, their spouses/partners, and dependents. The funds received will enable the College to develop a space that is conducive to helping the veterans assimilate into student life and support them every step of the way. The $30,000 grant from United Way NCA will be utilized to furnish the Center and equip the space with technology, recruitment/marketing materials, and general supplies. A flexible space is designated for PGCC student veterans engaging in peer support and mentoring, and for outside veteran services experts to provide psycho-social counseling and support. The grand opening of the Veteran’s Center will take place on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 3:00 P.M. in Bladen Hall, Room 133, at the Largo campus of Prince George’s Community College.
“The opening of the Center will enhance the veterans’ experience on campus to the tenth power,” said Dwayne Bourgeois, manager of Veterans Services. “They have the unique opportunity to obtain a top-notch education while staying closely connected to their military brothers and sisters who served the country just like them. The camaraderie they share means so much…couple that with academic and professional resources and our student veterans can excel, pursue new career paths, and have a positive college experience in the comfort of their own domain,” he said.
The Center’s development is extremely timely, as more and more military personnel are pursuing opportunities that will afford a better life for themselves and their families upon returning home, and they are in need of tangible resources to help them transition from the field to the classroom. The brand-new Veteran’s Center will ensure their academic and professional needs are met, but they will also have a private area for counseling services that offers a sense of security and confidentiality. This aspect of the facility speaks to their unique needs, however, the goal of the program is not to segregate the population but lend all-encompassing support that will enhance the students’ social programming that will ultimately improve student engagement and foster a sense of belonging.
“Finally, there is a place I feel comfortable in with fellow veterans. The Center makes me feel empowered and armed with all the tools I need to be successful in college. They truly understand what we need, and it’s appreciated,” said Arnold Lawson, Veterans Club President.
To learn more about the Veteran’s Center at Prince George’s Community College, visit URL or contact Dwayne Bourgeois, Manager of Veterans Services at BourgeDP(at)pgcc(dot)edu.
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2010-2015), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillset, PGCC comprises students representing a wide range of ages, backgrounds and goals. Located across six campuses, serving more than 44,000 individuals annually, offering more than 200 academic programs and workforce development and continuing education courses, the college is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enables PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the college website at http://www.pgcc.edu.
Jennifer Colter, Public Relations, Prince George's Community College, +1 (301) 322-0157, [email protected]
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