Tri-C East to Host Veterans Orientation Day 

HIGHLAND HILLS – On August 1, the biggest change in the GI Bill since World War II will become effective, significantly increasing benefits and opening the door to a four-year college degree for veterans – both active duty and reservists – with at least three months of active service since September 11, 2001. Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus, located at 4250 Richmond Road in Highland Hills, will host a Veterans Orientation Day to discuss the benefits that will soon be available to veterans and their family members through the new GI Bill. The event will be held on May 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Performing Arts Theater, located in the ELA Building.

Veterans Orientation Day is a day-long event to assist veterans in exploring the new GI Bill options and to assist those who may not have GI Bill benefits.  Harry Dulick, Education Compliance Specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs, will walk through the changes in the bill.  Specialists will provide information on GI Bill benefits, the financial aid process, scholarships and alternative funding for veterans without educational benefits and training programs in sessions throughout the day.

“Key to getting the most out of this new legislation is making career and education choices early on,” says Richard DeChant,   Executive Director, Veteran Services & Programs, Cuyahoga Community College.  “This new bill provides for tuition, books and living expenses but limits veterans from switching between trade and vocational training and a four-year degree so developing an educational plan is critical to getting the most from these new benefits.”  The new program pays tuition fees directly to the college or university and not to the veteran.

Resource tables with information on education programs, training and testing as well as an opportunity to talk one-on-one with counselors will be available throughout the day.  A box lunch will be provided.  Parking is free in Lot H.  In order to have needed materials and lunches available, participants are asked to register by calling 216-987-3075.  Course registration number is 20469.

For more information, contact Barbara Solomon at 216-987-2516 or barbara.solomon@tri-c.edu.