Veterans

SMCC Welcomes You

SMCC was founded to serve World War II veterans who needed to learn new skills as the economy transitioned. From that point on, we have been supporting veterans and working to make the transition from the military to civilian life and attending college easy as possible. We welcome and thank you for your tremendous service and dedication to our country and are proud to offer you and your family the services and support you need to reach your educational goals.

On this page:

Accolades

SMCC was the first College in the state of Maine to:

• Install combat wounded parking spaces
• Hold new student orientation sessions and student success classes specifically for veterans
• Offer priority registration for current veteran students
• Have an official veterans regalia and medal for commencement

Veterans Education Benefit Programs

Learn more about the veterans education benefit programs SMCC offers.

Visit the following webpages on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

• Post – 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
• Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (Chapter 30)
• Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (Chapter 1607)
• Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (Chapter 32)
• Survivors and Dependents Assistance (Chapter 35)

For information about the State of Maine Veterans Dependent Tuition Waiver Program, visit the Maine.gov Bureau of Veterans Services webpage. Veterans are encouraged to contact the Bureau of Veterans Services to ensure access to all the benefits to which they are entitled.

To view information from the Bureau on a broad range of benefits, services, and veterans-related organizations, download the Maine Veterans’ Benefits and Resources Guide.

Application Process for Degree-Seeking Veterans

• Learn more about the programs of study available to you. Visit our academic programs webpage.
• Meet or talk with SMCC’s Certifying Official, Amy Lainoff.
• Follow the general application process. To learn more, visit our Apply webpage.
• Apply for Financial Aid online by visiting FAFSA.gov.
• Apply for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. To apply online or download an application, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
  • For veterans: download form 22-1990 – Application for VA Educational Benefits.
  • For dependents of veterans: download form 22-5490 – Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits.
• Submit a copy of your application for VA Benefits to the Advising Office.
• Once you receive your VA certificate of eligibility, bring it to SMCC’s Certifying Official in the Advising Office.
• Submit a copy of your military training transcripts to the Advising Office.
  • Download the Coast Guard Institute transcript.
  • Download the Community College of the Air Force transcript.
• Upon acceptance to the College, attend New Student Orientation.
• Check in with SMCC’s Certifying Official prior to the start of each semester.
• For more detailed information about the application process, the certification process, student responsibilities and a list of frequently asked questions, download the Veterans & Dependents of Veterans brochure.

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Veterans Student Organization

The SMCC Veterans Student Organization was established to provide support and a forum for those interested in veterans’ issues. Organization events include film discussions, guest speakers, community service, field trips, social events and more. Membership is open to any student, staff member or faculty member with an interest in veterans’ issues.

For more information, contact the club at veteransclub@smccME.edu or visit the SMCC Veterans Student Organization Facebook page.

Benefits of Getting Involved:

• Rebuild your sense of veteran community
• Find opportunities for connection
• Join the largest Maine community college veterans’ presence.

College Credit for Military Experience

In many cases, veterans attending SMCC are able to receive credit based on prior work and/or training. An official transcript, Joint Services transcript or Smart Transcript with ACE recommendations should be sent for military credit consideration.

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Non-Credit Short Term Training Opportunities

The following SMCC Continuing Studies courses are approved courses for education and training benefits for military personnel, veterans and dependents

Counseling

Counseling Services at SMCC

SMCC offers on-site counseling services and printed counseling resources and referrals. To learn more, visit our Counseling webpage.

Additional Counseling Resources

Additional Veterans Resources

• Visit the GI Bill® website.
• Visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Veteran Benefits Administration webpage.
• Visit the Veterans Upward Bound website.
• Visit the Career Center website.
• Visit Maine’s Togus VA Medical Center website.
• Visit the American Legions VetCam webpage.
• Visit the National Archives Veterans’ Service Records webpage.
• Visit the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services webpage.
• Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Administration webpage.
• Visit the College Scorecard website.
• Visit the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator webpage.
• Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Paying for College webpage.
• Visit the TonaLaw Veterans Scholarship page.
• For resources for Homeless Veterans, call 1-877-421-8263 ext. 4449.
• For resources for Returning Combat Veterans, call 1-877-421-8263 ext. 5062/4939.
• For information about veterans benefits, call 1-800-827-1000.
• For information about the CHAMPVA health care benefits program, call 1-800-733-8387.
• For information about the GI Bill, call 1-888-442-4551.
• For information about Debt Management, call 1-800-827-0648.

GI Bill (R) is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.