ODVA Awards $800,000 to Expand Campus Veteran Resource Centers

Grants support student veterans at public universities and community colleges across Oregon

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) has awarded $800,000 in grant funding to support campus veteran resource centers at public universities and community colleges across Oregon.

The funding is intended to expand services and strengthen programs that help veterans transition from military service to higher education while pursuing academic and career goals. The Campus Veteran Resource Center Grant Program focuses on supporting innovative projects that improve access to resources and enhance outcomes for student veterans.

During this grant cycle, 19 of Oregon’s 24 eligible public colleges and universities applied for funding. All 19 institutions that submitted applications received awards, marking a record level of participation in the program.

ODVA officials said the strong response reflects continued collaboration between the department and Oregon’s higher education institutions to support veterans pursuing postsecondary education.

Award recipients include:

• Blue Mountain Community College

• Central Oregon Community College

• Chemeketa Community College

• Clackamas Community College

• Columbia Gorge Community College

• Eastern Oregon University

• Klamath Community College

• Lane Community College

• Linn-Benton Community College

• Mt. Hood Community College

• Oregon Institute of Technology

• Oregon State University

• Portland Community College

• Portland State University

• Rogue Community College

• Southern Oregon University

• Southwestern Oregon Community College

• University of Oregon,

• Western Oregon University

Grant proposals were reviewed by a committee that included veterans service officers, current and former student veterans, education partners, and professionals who provide direct services to veterans.

“Student veterans enrich our campuses and our communities with their leadership, discipline, and life experience,” said Dr. Nakeia Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Yet we know that navigating higher education after military service can bring unique challenges. Veteran resource centers provide a place where student veterans can connect with one another, access benefits and support, and build the foundation for success—both in school and beyond the uniform.”

According to ODVA, funded projects may include support for veteran coordinator and outreach positions, peer mentor programs, technology and equipment purchases, and initiatives addressing food insecurity, mental health, transportation, and other urgent needs. Funding may also support veteran-focused events, career fairs, skill-building workshops, and outreach to underserved student veteran populations.

Additional information about the Campus Veteran Resource Center Grant Program is available through the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.

Cover image: Stock Photo, Unsplash.

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