MEDIA, PA — Delaware County Community College is helping military veterans transition into new careers and expand existing businesses through degree programs, education benefits assistance, and professional development opportunities designed to support students returning to school after military service.
The college’s Office of Veteran and Military Services provides guidance on accessing veterans’ education benefits, academic support, and preferential course registration. Its Nazz Mariani Veterans Center also offers a dedicated study and lounge space for veterans and active-duty service members.
The services are intended to address challenges that can complicate veterans’ return to higher education, particularly for students balancing employment, family responsibilities and unfamiliar benefits requirements.
“College is not easy for anyone, and earning a degree or certificate is by its nature meant to challenge students,” said Mike Shultz, the college’s veteran services coordinator. “It can be extra challenging for veterans, as there is the additional stress of navigating the educational benefits process.”
Among the students using those resources is Alex Chapman of Chester, a U.S. Army veteran and father of three who previously worked building tanks.
After spending several years working overnight as a mechanic at a large Philadelphia hotel, Chapman enrolled at the college using veterans’ education benefits. His decision to return to school was influenced by his mother, who earned a master’s degree at age 68.
Chapman initially pursued engineering but switched to graphic design after taking an art history course taught by professor Olivia Florek.
“It reminded me of my love of drawing when I was young. I changed my major to Graphic Design,” Chapman noted.
Now in his 40s, Chapman works at the college’s Nazz Mariani Veterans Center through a work-study position. He plans to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, establish a graphic design business, and produce a graphic novel.
Another student, Jenné Jones of Folcroft, is using her military education benefits to pursue a business administration degree while operating a commercial cleaning company.
Jones, a mother of four who served seven years in the U.S. Navy and Pennsylvania National Guard, currently provides cleaning services to 11 commercial properties.
She attends classes at the college’s Southeast Center in Drexel Hill, near her home, and plans to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees after completing her associate degree.
Her enrollment has also provided access to professional development opportunities outside the college.
Through a referral from Shultz, Jones participated in Villanova University’s Women’s Leadership Development Certificate for Veterans and Military Spouses in STEM.
The program, co-hosted by Villanova’s Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership, provides leadership training and networking opportunities for veterans and military spouses.
A grant from The Boeing Company covers much of the tuition and housing expenses, leaving participants responsible for a $200 deposit and travel costs.
Jones spent a week living and studying on Villanova’s campus, where she connected with other veterans and participated in leadership training.
“It was a great experience, meeting other vets, gaining leadership skills and developing new relationships,” Jones stated. “And I wouldn’t have known about the opportunity were I not a DCCC student.”
The college’s veterans services extend beyond academic advising to include assistance navigating federal, state and, where available, county-level tuition benefits.
Eligibility and available assistance vary by military service and benefit program, with some education benefits transferable to qualifying family members.
Shultz, himself a former student veteran, works with newly enrolled students to help them understand and use their available benefits throughout their education.
“Having been a student veteran myself, and having navigated these systems myself, I understand how difficult and confusing this can be,” Shultz said.
For veterans such as Chapman and Jones, the combination of education funding, academic programs, and institutional support provides a route toward professional advancement after military service.
Additional information about Delaware County Community College’s veteran and military services is available at dccc.edu/veterans.
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