A reception, flag ceremony and open house on Friday, Nov. 9, just before the Veterans Day holiday weekend, will introduce a Veterans Education Program at Fresno State.

The new program will begin in January 2013 to help returning veterans with educational, vocational and workforce development opportunities.

The Nov. 9 events begin with a public reception at noon in the Vintage Room on campus, followed at 2 p.m. by the presentation of colors by a joint Army and Air Force ROTC color guard. The color guard will lead a procession to the program’s new classroom and office in Lab School, Room 1, for an open house through 3 o’clock.

Mayor Ashley Swearengin has proclaimed Nov. 9 Veterans Education Day in Fresno.

The program will serve cohorts of up to 25 students in a six-week transitional and educational curriculum. A support network of more than 40 faculty from 28 Fresno State departments will offer their expertise, and veterans who complete the program will receive six units of transferable academic credit.

The university is providing a dedicated classroom with an adjacent lounge where participants can have access to computers, a printer, refrigerator and job postings.

The program has three phases:

  • An intensive refresher focusing on English, composition and mathematics.
  • Life skills that include financial literacy, business acumen, communication skills, interviewing and resume building.
  • Individualized guidance to meet each student’s self-identified goals after the completion of the program with introduction to Fresno State resources to facilitate their goals.

“To help veterans achieve their goals, we are working with the existing veteran support network in the Central Valley, including student veteran organizations,” said Daniel Bernard, program coordinator.”

Bernard said program participants will receive information about the regional and national support available for veterans.

Start-up funding is provided by the California State University Commission of the Extended University. Additional funding provided by Fresno State’s Office of the Provost and the Division of Continuing and Global Education. In-kind support is also provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Community donors are being sought and the first two to step forward are Fresno State alumnus Air force Capt. Ryan King and Fresno-based New England Sheet Metal.

The flag for the program office will be donated by Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock.

For more information about the launch or the Veterans Education Program, contact Bernard at 559.278.1901 or dbernard@csufresno.edu or visit Veterans Education Program.