Allan Hancock Community College receives grant money to expand services for student veterans

The Veteran Success Center at Allan Hancock Community College is receiving nearly $200,000 in grant money through the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. The college was one of 29 community colleges in the state to receive a total of $4.9 million in funding for veterans centers.

Student veterans are excited about getting an extra hand.

“If we could go ahead and receive more tutoring, that would be great,” said Oscar Hernandez, who served in the Marine Corps for four years.

Hancock educators said the funding will help in outreaching efforts.

” Where we see a gap is in access, in students knowing they’re able to come here,” explained Dean of Student Services, Yvonne Teniente-Cuello.

The grant money will be invested in expanding existing services, too.

“[They provide] guidance and mentorship along with my academics. I can find a lot of help here,” said Hernandez.

The state funding will also provide more financial assistance to student veterans.

“In the form of book vouchers, food vouchers,” Teniente-Cuello said. “This is the first time I’ve ever seen that this amount of money has come to Allan Hancock College to help support our veterans.”

Hancock ‘ s Veteran Success Center opened in 2015. About 600 veterans are currently enrolled at Hancock.