Veterans upward bound receives funding

Veterans returning to college will continue to receive free classes and materials to ease their transition to higher education thanks to a four-year, $1 million grant to the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program hosted by CSU-Pueblo.

The university recently learned that the program had been re-funded by the U.S. Department of Education for another four years beginning Sept. 1 at a cost of $249,411.

The VUB program is funded 100 percent by the grant award

According to Program Director Conrad Waggener, VUB is a Department of Education TRiO funded college preparatory program that provides academic refresher training and advising to qualifying veterans who are preparing to enter post-secondary education.

The program focuses on first generation and low-income veterans and provides classes, books and classroom materials at no charge to participants.

CSU-Pueblo hosts three TRiO programs, including Student Support Services, Southern Colorado Educational Opportunity Center and Upward Bound.

“The VUB program is an opportunity for veterans to re-establish fundamental ideas and study habits, which are prerequisites for successful performance at the post-secondary educational level,” Waggener said.

“In addition, Veterans Upward Bound provides access to academic resources, employment referrals, assistance with VA benefits applications and referrals to various community assistance organizations.”

Veterans Upward Bound has an annual quota of 120 participants. While CSU-Pueblo serves as the administrative host for the program, classes are offered at Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs and at Pueblo Community College.

Courses in English, math, Spanish, basic science and career and computer skills are offered during regular school terms both during the day and in the evenings.

Services also available include academic counseling, assistance with school and financial aid applications and GI Bill benefits, career advising and local resources for basic needs.

For more information on the VUB program, contact any of the Veterans Upward Bound offices: CSU-Pueblo, 719-549-2875; PCC, 719-549-3077 or PPCC, 719-502-4545.

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