LINCROFT, NJ (Nov. 20, 2017) – Brookdale Community College has received a grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation that will fund new curriculum and expanded services for military veterans at the college beginning this year.

The $8,650 grant will be used to add new computers, workstations and other resources to the college’s Veterans Center in Lincroft and to launch a first-year seminar program offered exclusively to veteran students.

The free, one-credit course, offered for the first time this spring, will address topics such as the transition to civilian life, career pathways, the GI Bill and available resources for veteran students. It will be taught by United States Marine Corps veteran Doug Larsen.

The grant will also help fund professional development for faculty and staff who work directly with veteran students.

“We are extremely grateful to the FirstEnergy Foundation for supporting us in our mission to provide an inclusive, supportive and high-quality college education for local veterans,” said interim Brookdale President David Stout. “After selflessly serving our nation, these students deserve the very best we can provide as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”

Brookdale currently serves more than 250 veteran students, offering dedicated counseling, facilities, student life opportunities and other benefits through the college’s Veterans Center in Lincroft. The center opened in 2014.