WHERE BUSINESS GOES TO GROW
BIZ A VETTING
Process Community colleges ease the transition from military to workforce. B Y T E R R Y T R O Y
L
eaving the military and transitioning to civilian life can be a tricky proposition, especially when it comes to finding gainful employment. Veterans face a host of impediments, including access to earned education benefits, preconceived notions on the part of would-be employers and a lack of training in a specific civilian career field or job. Yet workforce development is the key to the region’s economic future. It seems these two issues could be addressed with one proverbial stone. Luckily, Northeast Ohio is home to some great post-secondary education institutions well-equipped with advisers and counselors who specialize in helping veterans. While every four-year
Jessica Ales and her service dog Penny Lane
college in the area offers veterans services, local community colleges have stepped up when it comes to taking an active role. At Lakeland Community College, the Student Veterans of America Chapter was named one of the top five chapters
in the nation — out of more than 1,500 chapters nationwide — earlier this year. It marks the second time the Lakeland chapter has been a finalist. “The Lakeland Student Veterans of America (SVA) is standing strong in its mission to empower student veterans
“Our student veterans have such vast experiences to build upon and share with other students. The student veterans we work with provide an important perspective on leadership and teamwork, which has greatly added to our discussions.” — Christina Corsi clevelandmagazine.com/cleader
|
COMMUNITY LEADER 59
