FORT WORTH, Texas – As a military-friendly institution, Tarrant County College’s approach to welcoming veterans reflects a commitment to embrace the experience and dedication these men and women bring to the TCC campuses.
TCC will host a series of events early this month to honor students, faculty and staff who served in the armed forces. Visit the TCC calendar for Veterans Week events happening across the College.
Student veterans face distinctive challenges transitioning from military to academic life, which is why TCC goes beyond conventional support to ensure that veterans, active duty and National Guard members integrate smoothly into a community that honors their contributions with targeted resources and a supportive network.
“One thousand eight hundred veterans are enrolled at Tarrant County College this fall, and another 200 are faculty and staff,” noted TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc. “Thousands of TCC alumni have served in our military and continue to fortify our communities as first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, civic leaders, entrepreneurs and hometown volunteers. All embody what it means to be an American.”
Over the years TCC has launched multiple initiatives to support veterans, including dedicated resource centers, financial aid advocates and specialized admissions procedures and registrar/VA processing. These services are available to veteran/military-connected students in-person and remotely.
Prior to enrolling, veterans can turn their military service into college credit through a time- and cost-saving process called Prior Learning Assessment. It begins with submitting a Joint Service Transcript (Army, Marine, Navy, Coast Guard) or Air Force Transcript (Air University/CCAF) to a campus Admissions and Registrar Office.
Once the review is complete, the veteran receives an email detailing the amount of credit awarded. It can be used toward an associate degree or certificate at TCC, including TCC’s free 12-week Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program for veterans and their dependents.
Thanks to a National Science Foundation grant, TCC partners with Penn State University and UT Arlington to help meet critical demand for semiconductor applications and increase career options. Program completers become semiconductor technicians ready for high-wage jobs in a rapidly growing industry.
Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive two-year college with six campuses in Tarrant County and online classes, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.