Fresno State grant helps start new veteran program

Fresno State is introducing a program aimed at helping U.S. veterans to get college degrees, the university announced.

The program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Education, is one of two programs at the college to receive a five-year, $2.5 million grant.

Both the Student Support Services Veterans Program and the TRiO Student Support Services Program received the grant. Fresno State said it’s the only California university to receive TRiO funding this year.

“We are very appreciative of federal support to better serve our students and impact student success,” said Frank Lamas, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. “This funding strengthens the services we provide our veterans who served our nation.”

The new veterans program will serve 120 students and will have its own counselor, two peer mentors and two academic facilitators, Fresno State said. The reading and writing specialist and program assistant are assigned to both programs.

To be eligible for either program, participants must be first-generation, low-income students enrolled in 12 or more units at Fresno State and/or have a learning or physical disability. For the veterans program, the student must also have an honorable discharge from military service.

For an application, contact Jennifer Garzon at (559) 278-5725 or visit the Thomas Building, Room 122.

This story was originally published July 24, 2015 at 10:27 PM with the headline "Fresno State grant helps start new veteran program."