A new fund has been established to support GateWay Community College’s efforts to launch a STEM-focused Academic Advisor pilot program, thanks to a $39,000 grant from S.E.E.4VETS. The fund will support an academic advisor, case management and certifying role within the Veteran Services Center located at the college’s Washington Campus.
In November, S.E.E.4VETS board of directors presented a check in support of a college proposal for a three-year grant to pilot a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) academic advisor for veterans enrolling in one of the college’s STEM programs, and it included a scholarship.
“Our Veteran Services Center helps veterans navigate education benefits, external resources and student support services, so this additional funding that focuses only on STEM students will be a boost for our support services,” said Manny Dallago, director of the center at the college.
The associate of science degree path to university and workforce transfer will be emphasized and students will be guided to apply for a STEM scholarship.
“The college's effort to facilitate their Veterans' transition from military life to successful academic accomplishment is impressive and worthy of our support,” said Jim Symonds, Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.) & S.E.E.4VETS Board of Director.
“Experience has shown that the dedicated counseling of a professional produces positive results. Further, incentivizing students to participate in STEM courses of study is timely and encouraging. S.E.E.4VETS is proud to support such exemplary efforts."
S.E.E.4VETS Board Member Dr. Mica R. Endsley, president SA Technologies added, “A workforce that is trained in STEM is vital to the future global competitiveness of US corporations. Further, workers in STEM have double the job security of the non-STEM workforce and typically earn 26% more. The college’s new program to advance STEM education plays a vital role in supporting the needs of veterans, a strong business climate, and United States competitiveness.”
To read more about S.E.E.4VETS, and how it supports and encourages veterans to complete their education, visit see4vets.org.