Veterans and Military Students

SMCC Welcomes You

SMCC was founded to serve World War II veterans who needed to learn new skills as the economy transitioned. From that point on, we have been supporting veterans and working to make the  transition from the military to civilian life and attending college as easy as possible. We welcome and thank you for your tremendous service and dedication to our country and are proud to offer you and your family the services and support you need to reach your educational goals.

On this page:

VA Certification

In order to receive your VA Education Benefits, all Veterans and Dependents of Veterans must fill out the VA Certification Form after registering for classes. The form can be found on the SMCC student portal after logging in to My Maine Guide.

Tuition Assistance

If using military Tuition Assistance (TA), the service member must obtain TA prior to enrollment at the school. Each branch of service handles TA differently. To find out how to get started, visit your Educational Services Officer (ESO), Navy Virtual Education Center (VEC) or Education Counselor within your branch of military service for guidance.

If you’re actively serving in the Air Force, Air Force Reserves or Air National Guard, apply for TA through the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC).

If you are in the Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard, apply for TA through ArmylgnitED.

Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard service members will apply for TA through the MyNavy Education Portal.

For more information, contact your military branch for details on TA eligibility and the specific branch process for the submission of TA form:

• Air Force – Space Force – Air Force Reserve – Air National Guard
• Army – Army Reserve
• Army National Guard
• Coast Guard
• Marine Corps – Marine Corps Reserve
• Navy – Navy Reserve

Accolades

SMCC was the first College in the state of Maine to:

• Install combat-wounded parking spaces

SMCC was the first Community College in the state of Maine to:

• Hold new student orientation sessions and student success classes specifically for veterans
• Offer priority registration for current veteran students
• Have an official veterans regalia and medal for commencement

Veterans Education Benefit Programs

Learn more about the veterans education benefit programs SMCC offers.

Visit the following webpages on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

• Post – 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
• Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (Chapter 30)
• Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (Chapter 32)
• Survivors and Dependents Assistance (Chapter 35)

For information about the State of Maine Veterans Dependent Tuition Waiver Program, visit the Maine.gov Bureau of Veterans’ Services webpage. Veterans are encouraged to contact the Bureau of Veterans Services to ensure access to all the benefits to which they are entitled.

To view information from the Bureau on a broad range of benefits, services, and veterans-related organizations, download the Maine Veterans’ Benefits and Resources Guide.

Application Process for Degree-Seeking Veterans

• Learn more about the programs of study available to you. Visit our academic programs webpage.
• Meet or talk with SMCC’s Certifying Official, Amy Lainoff.
• Follow the general application process. To learn more, visit our Apply webpage.
• Apply for Financial Aid online by visiting studentaid.gov.
• Apply for Veterans Education Benefits: visit VA.gov.
  Apply for Dependent of Veterans Education Benefits: visit VA.gov.
• Once you receive your VA letter of eligibility, bring it to Howe Hall Room 303 OR email it to: smccveterans@mainecc.edu or alainoff@mainecc.edu.
• Submit a copy of your military training transcripts to the Advising Office.
  • Download the Coast Guard Institute transcript.
  • Download the Community College of the Air Force transcript.
• Upon acceptance to the College, attend an Advising Session with Amy Lainoff (contact information provided below).
• Check in with SMCC’s Certifying Official prior to the start of each semester.

Submit Materials

Veterans Student Organization

The SMCC Veterans Student Organization was established to provide support and a forum for those interested in veterans’ issues. Membership is open to any student, staff member or faculty member with an interest in veterans’ issues.

For more information, contact: smccactivities@mainecc.edu.

Benefits of Getting Involved:

• Rebuild your sense of veteran community
• Find opportunities for connection
• Join the largest Maine community college veterans’ presence.

College Credit for Military Experience

In many cases, veterans attending SMCC are able to receive credit based on prior work and/or training. An official transcript, Joint Services transcript or Smart Transcript with ACE recommendations should be sent for military credit consideration.

Submit Materials

Mental Health Resources

Counseling Services at SMCC

SMCC offers counseling services and printed counseling resources and referrals. To learn more, visit our Counseling webpage.

Additional Counseling Resources

Local Veterans Resources

Additional Veterans Resources

• Regarding Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, view an informational sheet.
• Visit the GI Bill® website.
• Visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Veteran Benefits Administration webpage.
• Visit the Veterans Upward Bound website.
• Visit the Career Center website.
• Visit Maine’s Togus VA Medical Center website.
• Visit the American Legions VetCam webpage.
• Visit the National Archives Veterans’ Service Records webpage.
• Visit the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services webpage.
• Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Administration webpage.
• Visit the College Scorecard website.
• Visit the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator webpage.
• Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Paying for College webpage.
• Visit the TonaLaw Veterans Scholarship page.
• Veterans and Addiction Resources.
• For resources for Homeless Veterans, call 1-877-421-8263 ext. 4449.
• For resources for Returning Combat Veterans, call 1-877-421-8263 ext. 5062/4939.
• For information about veterans’ benefits, call 1-800-827-1000.
• For information about the CHAMPVA health care benefits program, call 1-800-733-8387.
• For information about the GI Bill, call 1-888-442-4551.
• For information about Debt Management, call 1-800-827-0648.
• Top 100 Places That Offer Military Discounts

GI Bill (R) is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.