Brandman University Announces Veterans2College Program, Thanks to $2.1 Million Gift from The Brandman Foundation

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Brandman University, a private, regionally accredited, non-profit higher education institution serving working professionals, today announced introduction of the Veterans2College (V2C) program, which was made possible by a $2.1 million gift from the Brandman Foundation.  The V2C program focuses on increasing accessibility of quality educational opportunities to veterans by offering specially designed courses, student support and networking facilities that will develop academic, social and career skills supporting the completion of college degrees and future job placements.  

"Education for military personnel is a key focus for the Brandman Foundation because of Saul Brandman's background in the military and his understanding of the importance of a college education to build successful careers after serving in the military," said Joyce Brandman, president of the Board of Directors of the Brandman Foundation.  "The establishment of Brandman University's Veterans2College program will give veterans access to high-quality education options and help them achieve their personal and professional goals."

Military veterans are an underserved population in higher education.  According to U.S. Census Bureau 2008 statistics, only 26 percent of approximately 23 million veterans in the United States have a college degree.  With the number of veterans continuing to increase, programs such as the V2C will help serve the unique needs of veterans who require additional flexibility, specialized support and tailored curriculum to boost persistence and ultimately success in completing a college degree.

Developed in collaboration with the University of Arizona and based on a model program piloted there, Brandman's V2C program offers specially designed courses, student support and networking facilities for returning veterans, helping them to develop academic, social and career skills that support the pursuit and completion of a college degree and increase their success in future job placements.  According to Student Veterans of America's Veteran Center Handbook, veterans need assistance in handling psychological barriers that can hamper successful reentry into civilian activities. Recognizing the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, the program utilizes the knowledge and experience from military service, in addition to teaching college-level skills, and directly addresses problems that can lead to high student drop out rates.  

With Brandman University's proven track record in educating military students since 1958, the university aims to make a substantial difference in helping veterans overcome these barriers and realize success in post-military careers.  The university recently reported a 68-percent graduation rate among active-duty military students, including those on multiple deployments.  This completion rate dwarfs the rates of many other military education institutions and illustrates Brandman's relentless focus on student success.

"Despite military education benefits, a significant number of veterans don't have college degrees indicating that other factors besides cost, such as access to classes and facility support, need to be addressed," said Gary Brahm, chancellor of Brandman University.  "By offering specialized courses, flexible curriculum delivery and  support services catering to the unique needs of veterans,  Brandman's V2C program helps military personnel  use military benefits to earn a degree and build a foundation for their future after service."

Brandman University, originally Chapman University College, has a strong military tradition, with its founding in 1958 to meet the educational needs of military personnel at the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in Orange County, California.  Today, Brandman provides an affordable and high-quality education to veterans and members of the armed services and their dependents with classes offered on bases in California and Washington, as well as entirely online.  

For more information about V2C, please contact Pamela Monaco, dean of the Brandman University School of Arts and Sciences at (949) 341-9831 or visit Brandman University online at www.brandman.edu.

About Brandman University

Brandman University is a private, non-profit institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Established in 1958 and a part of the Chapman University System, Brandman blends a legacy of academic excellence with progressive, innovative curriculum and strong support services designed for working professionals. The university serves more than 10,000 students annually in 200-plus undergraduate and graduate degree, certificate, credential and professional development programs in arts and sciences, business, education and health, offered both online and through 26 campuses in California and Washington.  For more information, visit www.brandman.edu.

About Chapman University

Founded in 1861, Chapman University (www.chapman.edu) is one of California's oldest, most prestigious private universities and is home to more than 4,000 undergraduate students and 1,500 graduate students at its home campus in Orange, California.

SOURCE Brandman University