Gadsden State to host free resource workshops for veterans, active-duty military
Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College is hosting two resource workshops for area active-duty military, veterans and their families. The first workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 24 in Room 210 of the Joe Ford Center on the East Broad Campus. The second workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Cheaha Center Lecture Hall on the Ayers Campus. The workshops are free and are sponsored by the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils.
The ACCS Military and Veterans College and Career Workshops will inform attendees about the local services and programs available to them at Gadsden State. These services include educational benefits, apprenticeships, career services and credentials. Workshops will be held at all Alabama Community College System institutions.
“We appreciate the support from ACCS and the RC & D councils,” said Pam Johnson, dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Grants and Special Projects. “These workshops give us the opportunity to educate our active-duty military, guardsmen, reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents about the services available to them at our College and within our community. Gadsden State is committed to assisting those serving or who have served.”
Jimmy H. Baker, ACCS chancellor, said the veterans workshops are among many efforts by ACCS to collaborate with associations who are already working successfully to strengthen communities.
“Public community colleges were created many years to provide veterans with an opportunity to gain training closer to their homes,” he said. “We are approaching 60 years as the Alabama Community College system, and we recognize that our greatest impact comes when we work alongside entities that are committed to serving the residents, businesses and industries in our state. The partnership with Alabama RC & D confirms that together, we can make available the college’s resources so that we can continue to serve those who have served our country.”
The workshop planned for the East Broad Campus will kick-off at 10 a.m. with a welcome from Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State. A number of Gadsden State employees will provide information in 10-minute or less increments on the following subjects:
- How to enroll at Gadsden State
- Getting college credit for past military experience
- Campus life
- Applying for VA education benefits
- Financial Aid, scholarships and GI Bill
- Veteran services
- Introduction to career programs and majors
- College Career Services
- Apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities
- Tutoring and student success support
A free lunch will be served to all registered attendees at noon. A Veterans in Industry Panel will provide insight and information during the lunch hour. From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Keri Wood, the workforce development learning specialist, will provide a Veteran Career Exploration and Resume Workshop.
To register for the Jan. 24 or the Feb. 20 workshops, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/vub.