Riverside City College Veterans Resource Center Receives Veterans Mental Health Demonstration Project Grant
Riverside City College’s (RCC) Veterans Resource Center (VRC) has been awarded the prestigious Veterans Mental Health Demonstration Project Grant through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. RCC is one of only ten colleges selected statewide to implement this groundbreaking project, aimed at strengthening mental health services for veteran students. The grant, totaling $150,000 over two years, aligns with the Chancellor’s Office Vision 2030 goals, which emphasize student well-being and mental health as key factors in academic success.
Supporting Veterans' Mental Health
The Veterans Mental Health Demonstration Project is designed to enhance institutional support structures and provide a range of services to veteran students, with a particular focus on prioritizing burden-free mental health care. With over 700 veteran students enrolled this fall, RCC’s VRC will implement new initiatives to ensure veterans receive the mental health support they need from the moment they transition out of the military to their enrollment in college and beyond.
Our veterans often face unique challenges as they navigate the complexities of transitioning into civilian life and higher education. This grant allows us to ensure that they have access to comprehensive mental health services, so they can focus on their academic success and overall well-being.
Collaborating to Strengthen Support
The project will not only bolster mental health services on campus but also enhance partnerships with local and state veterans organizations. RCC’s VRC plans to collaborate with campus mental health resources, including counseling services and external veteran support groups, to deliver seamless care for veteran students. The initiative aligns with RCC’s ongoing mission to support the academic and personal growth of its veterans by offering tailored services that cater to their specific needs.
RCC’s VRC currently serves a diverse group of veterans, many of whom rely on VA educational benefits. The center provides guidance on a wide range of issues, from academic planning to navigating VA benefits and resources. By expanding its mental health services, the VRC aims to create a holistic support system that empowers veterans at every stage of their educational journey.
The Veterans Mental Health Demonstration Project is a crucial step in fulfilling our commitment to the veteran community.
A Broader Impact
The Veterans Mental Health Demonstration Project reflects RCC’s dedication to fostering a veteran-friendly campus environment. By offering targeted mental health support, the college not only improves the lives of its veteran students but also sets an example for other institutions within the California Community College system.
As the project takes shape over the next two years, RCC will continue to prioritize the well-being of its veteran population, ensuring that their unique needs are met as they pursue their educational goals. This initiative underscores the college's deep commitment to its veterans and the broader goal of making higher education an accessible and supportive space for all.
For more information about RCC’s Veterans Resource Center and the mental health services available to veteran students, please contact:
About Riverside City College
Founded in 1916, Riverside City College is a leader in higher education, serving more than 20,000 students annually. The Veterans Resource Center is a cornerstone of RCC’s commitment to providing veteran students with the tools and resources they need to succeed, from academic advising to mental health support.