Rep. Michelle Steel secures $1 million to boost student veteran employment at Cerritos College
Congresswoman Michelle Steel secured $1 million in congressional funding to expand
student veteran employment at Cerritos College. Rep. Steel presented the check to
the college on May 10.
Unemployment among young veterans is nearly triple the national average, yet student veterans possess an array of unique skills and training as a result of their military service. Studies show that veterans remain with their initial employers 8.3 percent longer and are 39 percent more likely to be promoted than their nonveteran counterparts. These numbers indicate that student veterans are more likely to be successful in terms of employment persistence and advancement in meaningful job opportunities. Nonetheless, many veterans still experience underemployment when transitioning to civilian jobs.
The funding Rep. Steel secured will establish the Cerritos College Career Command Center, providing student veterans with on-campus job opportunities to work and earn income. This will empower them to learn and teach valuable work and life skills among a diverse, welcoming community of employees and students. During the two-year pilot program, the college will gather data to assess student veterans' academic achievements and reintegration into civilian life. The program aims to establish a model that can be replicated statewide and nationwide.
“We thank Congresswoman Steel for championing our student veterans who have sacrificed themselves to protect our country and freedom,” said Cerritos College President/Superintendent Dr. Jose Fierro. “With this funding, our student veterans will gain meaningful job experience while focusing on their education, leading to personal and professional growth and advancement.”
“The Cerritos College Career Command Center is exactly the kind of program we need more of to support veterans in this country,” said Rep. Steel. "By investing in this program, Congress has made a concrete investment in supporting opportunities for veterans to achieve their own American Dream, and I am proud we were able to secure this critical funding in the latest appropriations package.”
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