SMCC Welcomes You
SMCC welcomes you and thanks you for your tremendous service and dedication to our country. We know that the transition from the military to civilian life and attending college can be challenging, and we want to make it as seamless a process as possible. We are proud to offer you and your family the services and support you need to reach your educational goals.
On this page:
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 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.
- 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.
Submit Materials
Southern Maine Community College
2 Fort Road,
South Portland, ME 04106
Attn: Amy Lainoff
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.
Continuing Studies (non-credit) Short-Term Training
The following SMCC Continuing Studies courses are approved courses for education and training benefits for military personnel, veterans and dependents
| Course Title | Course Length |
|---|---|
| Energy Conservation Technician (formerly Oil Burner Technician) | 200 hours |
| BPI Building Analyst | 80 hours |
| High Pressure Boiler Operator | 36 hours |
| Phlebotomy | 50 hours (30 classroom/20 clinical) |
| Propane & Natural Gas: Basic Principles & Practices | 20 hours |
| Propane & Natural Gas: Appliance Installation | 32 hours |
| Propane & Natural Gas: Appliance Service | 32 hours |
| Refrigeration & Air Conditioning | 45 hours |
| Weatherization Technician | 40 hours |
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.
Submit Materials
Southern Maine Community College
Admissions Office
2 Fort Road
South Portland, ME 04106
admissions@smccME.edu
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
1-866-644-5371 (open 24/7)
Lewiston Vet Center
29 Westminster Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
207-783-0068
475 Stevens Avenue
Portland, ME 04103
207-780-3584
To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Veterans Club
The SMCC Veterans Club was established to provide support and a forum for those interested in veterans’ issues. Club 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.
Additional Veterans Resources
- Visit the GI Bill® website.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Veteran Benefits Administration webpage.
- 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.