August 25, 2021

Wyden, Merkley: Mt Hood Community College to Receive $450,000 for Academic Services for Veterans

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) has earned a $450,000 grant to establish a Veterans Service Center, which would improve academic outcomes for student veterans.

“Oregonians who have served this country deserve to have every opportunity to meet their academic goals and have productive civilian careers,” Wyden said. “The Center for Veteran Student Success grant will play a crucial role in ensuring that student veterans at Mt. Hood Community College receive the academic and financial counseling support they need to succeed.”

“Every Oregonian deserves a quality education, and I’m pleased that this funding will provide additional access to higher education for veterans through a Veterans Service Center at Mt. Hood Community College,” Merkley said. “It’s crucial that we make sure that after all they’ve done to courageously serve our country, veterans have access to resources that will help them succeed as they transition to civilian life, and investments like these are an important piece of that puzzle.”

The Centers of Excellence For Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) grant provides funding for programs that support veteran student success in postsecondary education by coordinating services to address the academic, financial, physical, and social needs of veteran students.

“It is with deep gratitude that we thank Senators Wyden and Merkley for their continued efforts in making sure our veterans are receiving the support they deserve," said Dr. Lisa Skari, Mt. Hood Community College President. “This grant will assist our college in developing a center that will concentrate on offering our veterans comprehensive support aimed at providing them assistance in completing their educational goals and transitioning into their new careers.”