Adams State University’s Veterans Center recently received a $10,000 grant from the Xcel Energy Foundation to expand the center’s services to support veteran student success and career exploration. Veterans in the surrounding communities, as well as on-campus veterans and their dependents, will benefit.
"This grant will help us take veterans to the next phase of their lives as they transition to the workforce," explained Veterans/Military Affairs Coordinator Matthew Martinez.The funding will bolster existing programs such as tutoring, resource/career fairs, and job training. It will also support student attendance at conferences and seminars to build skills and provide access to careers. The program will give particular attention to veterans entering the fields of business and STEM (science, mathematics, engineering and technology). The program will take into account veterans’ military experience and help prepare them for careers beyond their military work. Martinez noted recent veteran graduates have gone on to attend law school, police academies, and culinary school.
"This grant will also help us assess the career needs of veterans throughout the San Luis Valley, identify the challenges they face, and connect them with community resources," Martinez said. Adams State has approximately 100 known student veterans and veteran dependents on campus who receive GI benefits for their college education.
AmeriCorps volunteers at the Veterans Center will assist with local outreach and connections to job placement opportunities through collaboration with the following:
- Colorado Workforce Center
- San Luis Valley Veterans Coalition
- Women Veterans of the San Luis Valley
- San Luis Valley Veteran Service Officers
- American Legion
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- La Puente
The Adams State University Veterans Center is dedicated to assisting veterans, student veterans, and veteran dependent students in their educational and life goals. For more information, contact Matt Martinez at 719-587-8452, or email.
