(HOUSTON) — The San Jacinto College Maritime Technology & Training Center’s non-credit U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved courses are now eligible for GI Bill education benefit certification through the Texas Veterans Commission.
“Every veteran has earned these benefits through sacrifice. It is truly an honor to provide workforce training to our veterans and have this training approved for GI Bill educational benefit certification,” said John Stauffer, associate vice chancellor, Maritime Technology & Training Center.
Historically, GI Bill benefits are approved only for programs that lead to a two- or four-year degree, not for industry-recognized certifications like those offered at the Maritime Center.
With 28 of the center’s 70 USCG and Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers courses approved, veterans like Edward Shnert can upskill in the maritime field.
“I can’t begin to tell you how greatly this approval has impacted my career,” said Shnert, U.S Army veteran. “The certificates I’m earning will help me earn more income for my family. Attending the San Jacinto College Maritime Campus has been a dream of mine, and thanks to the approval, I can fulfill that dream.”
The approval comes from a partnership between the center and San Jac’s veteran services. With locations at the Central, North, and South campuses, veteran services offers many resources to veterans and their dependents. Interested individuals can schedule an appointment with a school certifying official by choosing “Veterans” at www.whos-next.com/sanjac/appointments.
“Collaboration with the Maritime Campus and veteran services has opened new opportunities for veterans seeking to enter the maritime workforce quickly,” said Holly Morrison, manager, veteran services. “In the future, we hope to see other continuing education partners submit workforce entry-level certifications to veteran services for approval by the state-approving authority and Veterans Administration.”
To learn more about the San Jacinto College Maritime Technology & Training Center, visit www.sanjac.edu/maritime. For general questions about veteran services, contact veterans@sjcd.edu or visit www.sanjac.edu/veterans.
– San Jacinto College
