FORT WORTH, Texas — The Texas Veterans Commission has presented to Tarrant County College its Gold Award for services that contribute to the success of veterans and other military-connected students.
Gold, silver and bronze awards were announced as part of the 2024 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Awards established by the Texas Legislature. This was the first year for TCC to receive a Gold Award.
“All of us owe so much to the men and women who have served our country so faithfully and so well,” said TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc. “It’s gratifying that TCC, through the outstanding work of our Veterans Resource Centers, has been able to help our veterans reach their personal and educational goals.”
That support meant everything to veteran Justin Dearick, a former TCC employee who’s now a student in the College’s nursing program.
“There was no way I could have made it without that help, and I’m only one of many,” he said. “This award puts a well-deserved spotlight on what the program is doing. It’s invaluable.”
The Texas Veterans Commission evaluated applicants on such criteria as mental health and disability services; academic support services; centralized places where veterans can find assistance, information and peer support; and assistance in career opportunities or transferring to a four-year university to continue their education.
The latest example of TCC’s far-reaching programming is a partnership with Penn State University and UT Arlington, funded by the National Science Foundation, to provide a free, 12-week Microelectrics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program to veterans and their dependents. Classes start next month.
In announcing the award recipients, Gov. Greg Abbott noted that Texas is home to 17 million veterans and service members. “Texas is proud that colleges and universities across our great state offer world-class resources and educational support to the brave men and women who served in our nation’s military,” he said.