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 as 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
SMCC was the first Community College in the state of Maine to:
- 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.
- 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 Student Organization
The SMCC Veterans Student Organization was established to provide support and a forum for those interested in veterans’ issues. Membership is open to any student, staff member or faculty member with an interest in veterans’ issues.
For more information, contact: activities@smccme.edu.
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.
Submit Materials
Southern Maine Community College
Admissions Office
2 Fort Road
South Portland, ME 04106
admissions@smccME.edu
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
| 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 |
Mental Health Resources
Counseling Services at SMCC
SMCC offers 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.
Local Veterans Resources
Parkway Complex
29 Westminster Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
207-783-0068
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Portland Vet Center
475 Stevens Avenue
Portland, ME 04103
207-780-3584
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sanford Vet Center
628 Main Street
Springvale, ME 04083
207-490-1513
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Togus VA Medical Center
1 VA Center
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 623-8411
Open 24 Hours
LL Bean Learning Commons
Southern Maine Community College – Midcoast Campus
29 Sewall Street
Brunswick, ME 04011
(888) 836-3355
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Greater Portland Portland Career Center
151 Jetport Blvd
Portland, ME
04102
(877) 594-5627
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
American Legion – ME Post 35 (South Portland)
413 Broadway
South Portland, ME
04106
(207) 799-3997
Post Meeting: 3rd Friday of each month @ 7:00 p.m.
Dues: $35
American Legion – ME Post 17 (Portland)
23 Deering Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-8932
Post Meeting: 3rd Thursday of each month @ 7:00 p.m.
Dues: $35
42 Atlantic Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207)772-9314
Post Meeting: Last Sunday of each month @ 9:00 p.m.
Dues: $35
American Legion – ME Post 20
1 Columbus Drive
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 721-1172
Post Meeting: 4th Wednesday of each month @ 6:00 p.m.
Dues: $40.00
American Legion Riders of Maine
Facebook Page
alriders.maine.info@gmail.com
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.
- Veterans and Addiction Resources
- 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.
- Top 100 Places That Offer Military Discounts
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.
