State Board of Education Supports Veterans
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State Board of Education Supports Veterans
Tallahassee, Fla., December 12, 2012 - The Florida State Board of Education today approved a rule that will help active duty military personnel and veterans earn college credit for training received while in the military. The rule is a result of House Bill 347 passed during the 2012 legislative session that allows colleges to count military training toward the student's program of study.
"Awarding college credit to our military personnel and veterans for knowledge they gained while serving our country will put them one step closer to achieving their employment goals," said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. "It is a simple way of showing our gratitude for the sacrifices they made for our country and we owe it to them to help get them back into the workforce."
The bill's sponsor, Representative Gayle Harrell, spoke at Indian River State College last month about the legislation. "Unemployment among veterans is over 30 percent, so this will give them the opportunity to come back, use the skills they have in the military and get credit, get their certificates, and move on with their lives to become employees."
"The Florida College System is proud to provide education, job-training, and re-training to active duty military and veterans, and we recognize their contributions to our country and college campuses." said Randy Hanna, chancellor of the Florida College System. "Our colleges are already familiar with reviewing military training programs and awarding college credit, so this rule is reinforcing and enhancing current practices."
"I fully support the State Board of Education's decision to approve the rule allowing colleges to award credit for military training," said Ailbe Astor, a military veteran and now Coordinator of Veteran Student Affairs for Hillsborough Community College. "Having experienced this process as a student veteran and through my involvement with the student veteran population, I understand what it is like to transition from servicemember to student. Awarding college credit for military service validates the training we receive while in uniform and also helps us work toward the goal of furthering our education once we are out of uniform."