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Military men and women sacrifice a lot to serve our country, but education shouldn’t be one of those sacrifices.  Iowa Valley has resources for veterans to help ease the transition to the private sector for students at Ellsworth, Marshalltown, and Continuing Business and Communiy Solutions.  Available resources range from disability accommodations to financial aid and everything in between.

Building on Your Skills

Your time in the military, whether two years or thirty, was time well spent.  You did more than serve our country, you also learned valuable and marketable skills that employers are looking for.  Soft skills like teamwork, adaptability, and leadership, and hard skills like foreign language proficiency, machine operation, or computer programming.   Iowa Valley has short-term options to build on your existing skills or interests and prepare you for the workplace quickly.  2-year degree options are available if you want to learn a new skill or go on to get a 4-year degree.

Understanding VA Education Benefits

You probably know that VA education benefits helps veterans get an education by covering some of the tuition and fees, housing, and books.  But did you know that your benefits may depend on the time you spent in service and if you were deployed?  Post 9/11 VA education benefits also allow veterans to transfer unused benefits to a spouse or dependent.  Our staff can help you get the most out of your GI benefits to make the transition from the military sector to civilian life easy.

Navigating the Admissions Process

Applying for college as a veteran comes with some extra boxes to check.  As a veteran, you could get course credit for your time in the military, but only once you send in your official military transcript.  This transcript will allow our staff to determine if you are eligible to receive credits for your electives or even a PE credit.  Veterans with disabilities may also be eligible for services through vocational rehab.  We want to make sure you have the information you need to make the most of your time at Iowa Valley whether that means credit for time served or setting up additional services through the VA.

Finding Resources

It is hard to access resources when you don’t know where to look. Ellsworth students should head over to Gentle Student Center to access financial aid assistance or the Hub in Kruse Main for accommodations for classes.  Megan Richtsmeier in the Business office can help answer questions and submit paperwork for funding from the GI Bill®.  ECC veterans are also eligible for the Greg Hodak Scholarship through the Ellsworth College Foundation.  Tracy Crippen-Haake in the Hub can assist students who need accommodations for classes.

Marshalltown students should pay a visit to Jami Crosser in Student Services.  Jamie can help veterans connect to resources on and off campus.  She can help provide some clarification on financial aid through GI Bill®.  MCC veterans can also apply for endowed scholarships through the MCC Foundation.  MCC students seeking accommodations should visit a Learning Services Specialist in the Student Success Center in room 406.

Connecting with Other Veterans

Iowa Valley has set up specific study areas for veterans as a place to connect and learn together.  For Ellsworth students, this study lounge is in Osgood Library.  Marshalltown students can participate in the College Veterans Association, which provides a Veterans Lounge and holds meetings twice a month.

No matter if you are building on skills you learned in the service or are looking for a career shift, Iowa Valley has resources and programs to help you along the way.  Our staff is ready to help make your civilian life as successful and rewarding as your time in the military.  Contact Admissions today to take the next steps in your journey.