Sussex Community College vet enrollment increases

NEWTON — Sussex County Community College (SCCC) has seen an increase in enrollment for student veterans since last year.

Mike DeVilliers, the new Veterans Services Coordinator, announced that more veterans have enrolled in courses for the upcoming fall semester.

DeVilliers, a veteran himself, was hired at SCCC in August 2013. He recently implemented the new “Change of Mission” program at SCCC. The program is an overview of veterans’ benefits, transition challenges, and provides veterans with quality assistance throughout their academic career. Veterans eligible for CH 33 Post-9/11 education benefits can receive up to $2,200 per month for housing as well as 100 percent of tuition and fees.

SCCC offers student veterans a “Veterans Foundation for Success” course, which gives them the opportunity to be in class with other former military students. The course eases the transition from military service to college life in the student veteran’s first semester of study. Discussions relating to veterans are imbedded in the course curriculum.

“I came to SCCC to be close to home and enjoy the smaller classes," said Matthew Lunz, current sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and SCCC student. "The Veterans Services Coordinator at SCCC guided me through the process. SCCC, is 100% there for their student veterans.”

Classes began Sept. 2. For more information about the programs offered at SCCC call Mike DeVilliers at 973.300.2109 or email mdevilliers@sussex.edu.