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4 Reasons Why Veterans Choose NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Transitioning out of the military and seeking a higher education can be a big step for many veterans – a big step in the right direction. Combining your military experience with a technical certification or a college degree can be a valuable asset, while at the same time, entering into the college environment can be an adjustment.
As a veteran and a non-traditional college student, you may have a family to support and perhaps, are coping with physical and mental conditions as a result of your time in the military, making your transition into the classroom challenging. But with the right college, staff, faculty and resources, you’ll have the tools to better navigate these challenges.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) has made it their mission to offer guidance and assistance to veterans looking for a high quality, yet affordable college education. With a military-friendly culture, a resource center, and scholarships, Arkansan veterans are taking notice and choosing to grow their education with NWACC.
Read further to learn more about what makes NWACC military-friendly and how committed the college is to the success of student veterans.
1) Veterans Resource Center
Understanding that each student veteran has different needs, NWACC’s Veterans Resource Center offers veteran advisors and counselors to guide students through class registration, GI Bill® benefits, scholarships and financial aid, as well as tutoring, employment, disability and more. The center is dedicated to guiding and assisting veterans in reaching academic success.
2) Veteran Scholarships & Funds
NWACC proudly offers affordable in-state tuition rates to all veterans, which can typically be covered by the GI Bill®. At times, veterans may need additional funds to cover their college expenses and are encouraged to apply for NWACC’s two veteran scholarships and other non-profit offerings.
- Josh McCandless Veteran’s Scholarship: A $500 scholarship awarded to veterans in the Fall and Spring to use towards their educational needs. It was named after an NWACC student who started the scholarship through a service learning project.
- Home For Dinner Scholarship: A $250 scholarship awarded to veterans in the Fall and Spring to use towards their educational needs.
- Home For Dinner gift cards: Home For Dinner is a non-profit organization that offers veterans residing in Benton and Washington County, Arkansas with a one-time $50 gift card for dinner at a local restaurant. Gift cards are given out once a semester.
3) Challenge Coin and Veterans Cords
Traditionally, NWACC recognizes veterans and their educational achievements by giving them veteran cords to wear on graduation day. The college recently designed a challenge coin to also give to graduating veterans as a reminder of how important they and their success are to NWACC.
4) Veteran-Friendly Culture
In addition to our Veteran Resource Center that offers help to all eligible veterans, dependents, reservists and disabled veterans, NWACC recognizes veterans through campus events such as the Veterans Day program and cookouts. This Veterans Day program typically entails a white table ceremony in honor of the MIA and POWs, speeches by student veterans, and music by the Soldiers Songs and Voices.
NWACC also offers a veterans lounge where veterans and dependents can come and relax, do homework or converse with peers. The lounge has computers, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a toaster oven available, along with free snacks and coffee provided by donors.
There’s a Place for You Here
NWACC is familiar with the challenges of transitioning from active duty to civilian life. The college offers a variety of programs with convenient class schedules, as well as educational resources to help you succeed. Visit nwacc.edu or call 479-986-4000 to learn more about choosing a higher education with NWACC.