Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency names Macomb Community College as veteran-friendly school for eighth consecutive year

For the eighth consecutive year, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) named Macomb Community College as a certified Veteran-Friendly School, awarding the college gold-level recognition for the 2023-2024 school year.

The Veteran-Friendly School program recognizes institutions of higher learning for their commitment to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students in utilizing their G.I. Bill® and navigating other educational resources. The MVAA awards gold-, silver-, and bronze-level status to institutions that offer veteran-centric services and programs. Any academic institution or training facility in Michigan eligible to receive veteran education benefits can apply for the program. To be awarded gold-level status, an institution must meet six of MVAA’s seven judging criteria. Macomb meets all seven.

“The success of our gold-level program can be attributed to a network of relationships with local, state and federal programs and our commitment to getting to know our military-affiliated population and connecting them to the right resources,” said Kara Fields, director, Veteran & Military Services, Macomb Community College. “We focus on each individual’s needs, whether it be educational support or something that reaches beyond the scope of the college, and link them with vetted services that will make the most positive impact.”

The gold, silver and bronze rankings awarded by MVAA are based on seven criteria including:

• Established process for identification of current student veterans
• Veteran-specific website
• Active student-operated veterans association
• Veteran-specific career services, resources, advising and/or outcome monitoring
• On-campus veterans’ coordinator or designated point of contact
• System to evaluate and award credit based on prior military training and experience
• Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, transfer and graduation rates

MVAA is a state government agency within the Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. It serves as the central coordinating point for Michigan veterans, connecting those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families to services and benefits throughout the state.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271. patricks28@macomb.edu