San Jacinto College maritime courses eligible for GI benefits
HOUSTON, Texas — The San Jacinto College Maritime Technology & Training Center's non-credit U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses are now eligible for GI Bill® education benefit certification through the Texas Veterans Commission.
"Every veteran has earned these benefits through sacrifice. It is truly an honor to provide workforce training to our veterans and have this training approved for GI Bill® educational benefit certification," said John Stauffer, Maritime Technology and Training Center associate vice chancellor.
Historically, GI Bill® benefits are approved only for programs that lead to a two- or four-year degree, not for industry-recognized certifications like those offered at the Maritime Center.
With 28 of the center's 70 U.S. Coast Guard and Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers courses approved, veterans like Edward Shnert can upskill in the maritime field.
"I can't begin to tell you how greatly this approval has impacted my career," said Shnert, U.S Army veteran. "The certificates I'm earning will help me earn more income for my family. Attending the San Jacinto College Maritime Campus has been a dream of mine, and thanks to the approval, I can fulfill that dream."
The approval comes from a partnership between the Center and San Jac's veteran services. With locations at the Central, North, and South Campuses, veteran services offers many resources to veterans and their dependents. Interested individuals can schedule an appointment with a school certifying official by choosing "Veterans" at www.whos-next.com/sanjac/appointments.
"Collaboration with the Maritime Campus and veteran services has opened new opportunities for veterans seeking to enter the maritime workforce quickly," said Holly Morrison, veteran services manager. "In the future, we hope to see other continuing education partners submit workforce entry-level certifications to veteran services for approval by the state-approving authority and Veterans Administration."
To learn more about the San Jacinto College Maritime Technology and Training Center, visit sanjac.edu/programs/areas-of-study/manufacturing/maritime. For general questions about veteran services, contact veterans@sjcd.edu or visit sanjac.edu/support/veteran-support.
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. San Jacinto College is among the top 10 community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence, and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually, and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. San Jacinto College's impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, which supports 13,044 jobs. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA and Aa2 by Standard & Poor's and Moody's.
For more information about San Jacinto College call 281-998-6150, visit sanjac.edu or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
