OCC Awarded Veteran-Friendly Status for Second Year in a Row

Oakland Community College was awarded Gold Veteran-Friendly status by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) for our commitment to supporting the needs of student veterans and dependents. This is OCC's second consecutive award, with the first award received for Silver status.

"This award is an acknowledgment that OCC values our veterans and their service to our country," said Sandra Strong, Manager of Student Financial Resources & Scholarships/Veterans. "Providing the best possible support and resources for them and their dependents has always been a priority for the College. Our work is to continue to improve and expand our services to meet the needs of our military families and help them achieve their academic and career goals."

OCC is in good company with the MVAA award. A record 70 colleges throughout Michigan were recognized this year, the third year of the program. The College is one of 41 attaining Gold status.

"Michigan is fortunate to have top quality educational institutions that maintain high standards of support and services for our growing population of veterans and their families," said MVAA Director James Robert Redford. "The program makes it easy for students to identify which schools are invested in their success, and we greatly appreciate the commitment of this year's participants.

OCC participates in six veterans educational benefits plans with most College programs approved by the Veterans Administration for enrollment. To learn more about veterans services at OCC, visit our veteran benefits webpage.

An estimated 16,458 military-connected students are attending the 70 ranked institutions for the 2017 academic year. Criteria the schools must meet include having an active student-operated veterans club or association; veteran-specific career services or advising; on-campus veteran's coordinator, and awarding credit based on prior military training and experience.