In service to those who have served – ECC’s veteran programs offer wholistic support

In 2009, then-Governor Pat Quinn mandated that all higher education institutions provide a point of contact for incoming military veterans to discuss their concerns about pursuing a degree or certificate at their college or university. This one mandate is now the norm for all colleges and universities to handle incoming new students the same way: first-generation college students, Latinx, Black/African American, and dual-credit high school students.

As the military veterans' point of contact at Elgin Community College, I was transferred from the financial aid office to the career development office, and the transformation for our student veterans is truly remarkable!

ECC began working with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), a nonprofit organization developed by several higher education groups that allows members to join as a support group for veterans to achieve success and graduate with college degrees. The Veterans Higher Education Affinity Group (VHEAG), which includes many colleges and universities within the state of Illinois, meets monthly to compare best practices and hear the latest on what changes are taking place for student veterans' academic success, not only in Illinois but also in other states that are making efforts to enhance the success of their student veterans. ECC has been working with CAEL and a VHEAG member since 2012. Our VHEAG group worked closely with Student Veterans of America (SVA) to help pass The Forever GI Bill® into law through CAEL.

Previously, veterans had to use their Post-9/11 GI Bill® within 15 years of their last 90-day period of active-duty service. In 2015, veterans began working on changing this requirement, which was signed into law in 2017 and took effect in August 2020. Now, a veteran who left the military after January 1, 2013, no longer has only 15 years to use their benefits. They have forever to use their benefits!

Here at ECC, we have numerous resources dedicated to supporting our veteran students, helping them succeed.

ECC supports all students' academic success, but has taken additional steps to show that returning veterans to school is a top priority. Being a part of and witnessing our veteran students’ success is important and rewarding. We are partners in their journey to new and exciting careers. Along with being available and listening, showing respect for their next steps is also key to their success. College is a place to discover your interests and pursue your passions, and having resources to support you eases the fears of failing in your attempts.

I enjoy my work with student veterans because the conversations are always honest. I have been working with student veterans since 2009, and I know that establishing ECC’s Veterans Resource Center was essential to the student veterans, but it was also crucial to the military community. The center is a place where students can come to study and engage in open dialogue with other student veterans. During my 22 years at ECC, I’ve been fortunate to establish many long-lasting relationships with students and coworkers.

I look forward to continuing to provide outstanding resources for military-connected students and families through the support we offer to those who have given us so much.

-Anitra King, MS, Career and Student Veteran Success Specialist

G.I. Jobs Magazine® designates ECC as a "Military-friendly" college for veterans and service members. ECC also earned the "Military Friendly Spouse School" award in 2019.

ECC is a Chapter Member of S.A.L.U.T.E. VETERANS NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, and as of June 2021, ECC is excited to have 29 S.A.L.U.T.E. inductees.