The Veterans Upward Bound program at Gadsden State Community College has moved to a larger, more accessible location in the basement of Naylor Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus in Gadsden.
The program, previously located in Beck Field House, now occupies a space designed to better serve veterans’ unique needs.
“The improvements represent our commitment to providing the best possible support to our veterans,” said Sarah Aultman, director of Veterans Upward Bound. “After all, our goal is to assist veterans in a seamless transition from military service to civilian life.”
Veterans Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program dedicated to helping veterans achieve academic and career goals. The program provides free services such as assistance with educational benefits, academic preparation, computer skills training, financial management education and help with enrolling at the college or university of their choice.
“There are a wide variety of free services provided to those who bravely served our country,” Aultman said. “Eligible veterans also have the opportunity to receive a monthly stipend by participating in educational activities through the VUB program.”
The new VUB office, formerly home to the Alabama Language Institute, has undergone several updates to improve accessibility and functionality. These include a resurfaced ADA-accessible ramp at the main entrance, renovated accessible bathrooms and designated “Veterans Only” parking spaces behind Naylor Hall near the office entrance. The updated space also features a computer lab, a quiet study area and a meeting room for collaboration with community partners.
“The new space is not only more accessible, but it also creates a better environment for veterans to focus on their studies, access resources and connect with important community and college partners,” Aultman said. “We want to ensure that our veterans have the resources they need to succeed.”
In addition to the physical improvements, the VUB program is expanding its online Veterans Resource Guide. This comprehensive guide provides information on education, housing, legal services and mental health support for veterans and community members.
“We encounter so many wonderful organizations and resources in our work,” Aultman said. “This expanded guide is a central place where veterans and community members can easily access information related to the needs they might have. We hope this will empower our veterans to succeed and build stronger connections with positive resources.”
For more information about Veterans Upward Bound or to access the Veterans Resource Guide, visit www.GadsdenState.edu/VUB.
