WHAT:
The Santa Ana College (SAC) Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and AT&T are teaming up to support and celebrate student veterans as part of AT&T’s national Thank Our Heroes initiative. At this event, student veterans will share their stories about the transition from soldier to scholar; attendees will learn about and tour the SAC VRC; and AT&T will make a contribution to the SAC Foundation to support its programs helping veteran students achieve their educational goals.
AT&T’s $25,000 contribution to the SAC Foundation and VRC is part of a $500,000 contribution from AT&T supporting veterans’ organizations across the country this November through the Thank Our Heroes initiative. Thank Our Heroes honors active duty military personnel, veterans and their families and invites everyone to share their gratitude for veterans on social media this Veteran’s Day using the hashtag #ThankOurHeroes.
WHERE:
Veterans Resource Center at Santa Ana College
Building M-120 (west side of the Planetarium)
1530 W. 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
WHEN:
Thursday, November 9, 2017 10-11 a.m.
WHO:
AT&T Asst. Vice President of External Affairs, Richard Porras
Santa Ana College President Dr. Linda Rose
SAC Veteran Students, including Jason Lamb
Congressman Lou Correa’s Office
SAC Veteran Student Jason Lamb is a United States Army veteran. After re-enrolling in higher education for the fourth time, he was struck by a car while walking across the street. Jason was bedridden, suffered 15 fractures and had nine stitches in his back, but was determined to complete his coursework and take his finals. He earned his associate’s degree at SAC in June 2017, and now continues to volunteer his time at the SAC VRC while pursuing his bachelor’s degree at California State University, Fullerton.
WHY:
The SAC VRC was established in 2009 to help veteran students transition from soldiers to scholars. Through grant funds, the work of the SAC Foundation, and collaboration with public and private entities like AT&T, the SAC VRC can assist hundreds of veteran students achieve their academic and career goals through four main initiatives:
1. Veterans Affairs Office to certify GI Bill® benefits
2. Veterans Upward Bound, a college preparation program for any veteran wanting to '''''''attend any college or university
3. Veterans Student Support Services for current SAC veteran students
4. Strength in Support, which provides transitional counseling and off-campus support
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. The company's signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives innovation in education to promote student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $400 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.
About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
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