Posted: 05/06/2010
AKRON, OH (April 14, 2010) - The Veterans Service Commission of Summit County (VSC) will host its first Education Symposium from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at 1060 E. Waterloo Rd. in Akron. The event is free and open to all veterans who are Summit County residents. Attendees may choose between morning or afternoon sessions, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., respectively.
"Our goal is to help veterans understand and utilize the education benefits they're entitled to," said VSC Project Manager David Burden. "A very low percentage of vets actually use their education benefits - and they are good benefits!"
The Summit County Veterans Service Commission has created the event to make sure that local veterans know about the educational opportunities available to them, and are therefore inviting veterans to gather at its headquarters to learn from a variety of professionals the information they need to know about accessing their education benefits.
"With the job market the way it is now, the better equipped veterans are, the more opportunities they'll have," said Burden. Burden said VSC decided to host the symposium upon realizing that many young veterans who come to the agency for assistance were unaware of all of the new and existing education benefits available to them.
The topics will include the VA's recently extended G.I. Bill for those serving on or after 9/11, opportunities available to those under the Montgomery Bill and the educational programs for veterans to explore after their benefits expire.
Information will be available on Supportive Education for the Returning Veteran, or SERV, a program for veterans enrolled in colleges and universities around the country including Cleveland State University. The program's creator will speak at the symposium.
Veterans will also learn about an educational opportunity on VSC's premises - the new Post 176 AMVETS Career Center. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art computers that veterans can use to study for CDLs, certification programs, CEUs, and ongoing education development.
"These are just some of the benefits that veterans will have a chance to learn about at the symposium," Burden said. "After all, they've earned them and deserve to use the benefits - they just need to know they exist and how to apply for them.
"We want to advise our veterans as to the best way to access all the education benefits they're entitled to - whether through the VA, through local colleges and universities, or through us."
Seating is limited for each session and interested parties must register by May 3. Interested veterans should call 330-643-2830 or visit www.VSCSummitOH.us to register.
About Veterans Service Commission of Summit County
Veterans Service Commission of Summit County (VSC) provides comprehensive support services to Summit County residents who have served in any branch of the military. Veterans and their families who demonstrate need receive free financial, transportation and medical assistance as well as coordination and processing help with Veterans Administration (VA) claims and benefits. The agency was created in 1886 to aid veterans upon their return home from duty.