SMCC Welcomes You

military-friendly-school- SMCC-Maine

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:

VA Certification

In order to receive your VA Education Benefits, all Veterans and Dependents of Veterans must fill out the VA Certification Form after registering for classes. The form can be found on the SMCC student portal after logging in to My Maine Guide.

Tuition Assistance

If using military Tuition Assistance (TA), the service member must obtain TA prior to enrollment at the school. Each branch of service handles TA differently. To find out how to get started, visit your Educational Services Officer (ESO), Navy Virtual Education Center (VEC) or Education Counselor within your branch of military service for guidance.

If you’re actively serving in the Air Force, Air Force Reserves or Air National Guard, apply for TA through the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC).

If you are in the Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard, apply for TA through ArmylgnitED.

Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard service members will apply for TA through the MyNavy Education Portal.

For more information, contact your military branch for details on TA eligibility and the specific branch process for the submission of TA form:

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.

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

Submit Materials

By mail to:
Southern Maine Community College
2 Fort Road
South Portland, ME 04106
Attn: Amy Lainoff
By email to:
alainoff@smccME.edu

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

By mail to:
Southern Maine Community College
Admissions Office
2 Fort Road
South Portland, ME 04106
By fax to:
207-741-5760

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

Combat Call Center
1-866-644-5371 (open 24/7)

Lewiston Vet Center
29 Westminster Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
207-783-0068

Portland Vet Center
475 Stevens Avenue
Portland, ME 04103
207-780-3584
To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Sanford Vet Center
628 Main Street
Springvale, ME 04083
207-490-1513

Local Veterans Resources

Lewiston Vet Center
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

Midcoast Career Center
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

American Legion – ME Post 161 (Portland)
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

Maine American Legion Baseball
Online Registration Form

Additional Veterans Resources

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.