Veterans looking to take a step in a new direction to achieve their career goals can get support from the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program, a free program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and created to help qualified military veterans prepare for postsecondary education.
“Veterans Upward Bound is designed to help veterans refresh their academic skills and, at the same time, build the confidence needed to be successful in completing a degree or a career technology program,” said Randy Reynolds, program director. “Our number one priority is to assist veterans in any way we can to be better prepared for enrollment into a college, university, or career technology school of their choice.”
Redlands was first awarded the federal grant in 2009 and has since assisted more than 800 veterans with their educational needs. The VUB staff is responsible for approximately 113,000 veterans covering 14 Oklahoma counties, including Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Comanche, Garfield, Grady, Kay, Kiowa, Lincoln, Logan, Noble, Oklahoma, Pawnee and Stephens counties. The program is open to veterans who served either active duty, reserve or National Guard, and served greater than 180 days and separated with better than a dishonorable discharge.
The VUB Academic Specialist team at Redlands provides counseling, mentoring, tutoring and academic instruction in the core subject areas. Since the program is federally funded, there is no out-of-pocket expense for any of the services. Additionally, the VUB staff offers academic and career assessment, career guidance and exploration, tutorial and study skills, classroom reintegration, short-term refresher courses, preparation for GED testing, assistance with applying for financial aid, and college academic advising.
“Veterans Upward Bound is a valuable resource for many of our veterans, and Redlands is honored to participate in this program,” said Redlands President Jack Bryant. “I am thankful for the Redlands Upward Bound staff and their commitment to helping all of our eligible veterans develop the confidence and pathway to successfully graduate from a postsecondary program.”
For more information, visit www.redlandscc.edu/veterans-upward-bound, email vub@redlandscc.edu or call 405-422-1451.