On September 2nd, CCC Chancellor Harris announced that 93 of California’s community colleges are implementing President Obama’s “Eight Keys to Success” plan to help student-veterans on campus. We are proud to report that Rio Hondo College was one of the community colleges included in this list of 93. Nearly 40% of all California veterans receiving GI educational benefits attend a California community college for workforce training to earn an associate degree, or to work toward transferring to a four-year university.

Obama’s “Eight Keys to Success” include:

1. Create a culture of trust and connectedness across the campus community to promote well-being and success for veterans.
2. Ensure consistent and sustained support from campus leadership.
3. Implement an early alert system to ensure all veterans receive academic, career, and financial advice before challenges become overwhelming.
4. Coordinate and centralize campus efforts for all veterans, together with the creation of a designated space (even if limited in size).
5. Collaborate with local communities and organizations, including government agencies to align and coordinate various services for veterans.
6. Utilize a uniform set of data tools to collect and track information on veterans including demographics, retention and degree completion.
7. Provide comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to veterans.
8. Develop systems that ensure sustainability of effective practices for veterans.