Cypress College to Receive $500,000 for Veterans Resource Center, Military-Connected Student Services
For Immediate Release
February 3, 2023
Contact: Marc Posner
(714) 484-7006
CYPRESS, Calif. – Cypress College (Cypress) will receive $500,000 through federal appropriations to support its military-connected students, part of $17 million successfully lobbied for various local projects by the recently retired Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47).
These earmark funds will expand the support activities and resources provided to military-connected and veteran students that are the most critically needed. This includes the purchase of technology and school supplies, as well as increased funding for academic advising, academic and personal workshops, peer support, case management, and connections to various on- and off-campus resources said Dr. Juan Garcia, coordinator and counselor for the college’s Veteran’s Resource Center (VRC).
President JoAnna Schilling stated, “Since opening our new Veterans Resource Center in 2021, using locally-supported Measure J funding, Cypress College has aimed to provide an educational home for our veteran community. Rep. Lowenthal’s advocacy on our behalf is deeply appreciated and Dr. Garcia and his team have made providing this support their priority. We look forward to welcoming and expanding our veterans’ population at the college, while helping our military-affiliated families reach their future educational and career goals.”
“Since its inception, the Cypress College Veterans Resource Center has fostered an environment for student veterans that has strived to achieve the highest standards in assisting its student population,” Garcia said. “This funding will help our staff continue to support our military-affiliated students after they come home.”
Garcia said the college requested these areas for additional funding based on guidelines set by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office regarding the most significant needs of military-affiliated students. He emphasized that he often thinks about his own experience as a veteran and what it was like to transition to civilian life when making decisions for the VRC.
“Understanding my experience with the support I received, guides me to do the best job I can to make sure no military servicemember and their family go without the support services they need to be successful.”
Garcia is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and served from 2004 to 2008 with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. During his service, he deployed three times under Operation Enduring Freedom.
About Cypress College:
Cypress College offers students a pathway to their future in an environment in which employees commit to joining students on their educational journey. The college’s half-million-plus alumni include actors, athletes, doctors, executives, mechanics, nurses, and teachers. For some, Cypress College is the ticket into their university of choice, and for others, it provides essential training for a prosperous career. Just one Cypress College class is often all it takes to provide cutting-edge skills that lead to a promotion or a new job.
Cypress College’s 16,000 students and the highly qualified teaching faculty are proud of the many excellent academic and vocational programs. Cypress College provides a pathway for each of our students, offering 56 university-transfer majors, 174 career-certificate programs, and degrees in 98 areas of study. The college’s traditional semesters begin in January and August, while short-term courses start throughout the year. A Cypress College education costs $46 per unit — $138 for a typical, full-credit class — California’s lowest tuition. Eligible first-time students qualify for free tuition through Cypress College’s Charger Experience promise program. Financial aid and scholarships are also available to qualifying students.
Cypress College is one of three campuses in the North Orange County Community College District and a member of the 116-campus California Community College system. The college primarily serves the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Stanton.
Located at 9200 Valley View Street in Cypress, the college is easily accessible from several Southern California freeways, including the 5, 91, 605, 22, and 405. The campus is just a stone’s-throw from Downtown Disney and Knott’s Berry Farm.
In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Cypress College’s instruction and services are offered primarily in a remote format. Students can access support services online at http://cypresscollege.edu/coronavirus.
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