The second-highest number of veterans enrolled in Washington’s colleges and universities? That would be Olympic College.

Kitsap County’s diverse economy and emerging industries — as well as quality of life and relative affordability — make our region a great place to settle in retirement or post-enlistment. But the key to successfully transitioning to a career in Kitsap’s economy is education. We’re fortunate to have one of the 10 best community colleges in the U.S. (Aspen Prize); active-duty personnel, dependents and retirees have access to quality two-year degree programs as well as an increasing number of undergraduate degrees.

Now, there’s an additional big benefit for veterans attending OC.

Olympic College has received a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education, for $320,000, to create a new student center for veterans. The new Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success will be designed to boost veteran enrollment and help ensure they complete programs to earn degrees.

This investment enables Olympic College to hire additional staff that will provide enhanced advising and orientation, conduct outreach and develop systems to monitor student success and ensure early follow up if students are struggling. The funds also  provide for staff training and professional development.

“This award is great news for the continued growth of OC as a destination for veterans and active-duty servicemembers,” said Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Bremerton. “It will help military members further their education and learn new trades at Olympic College. This investment reinforces how much Olympic College does for members of the military and their families by helping them transition into the next phase of their careers.”

Olympic College also signed a biennial Memorandum of Understanding with the state Department of Veterans Affairs to continue their participation with the Partners for Veteran Supportive Services. The agreement seeks to increase awareness of veterans’ programs on and off campus; encourage campuses to implement best practices and policies to support and welcome veterans; and help veterans succeed in post-secondary education and training.

We appreciate and applaud every effort by those involved in these initiatives to ease the transition for those who have served our country. Such initiatives as these will provide the support and services that our military personnel, veterans and their families need to be successful in their transition from the military into higher education.