GADSDEN, AL – The Veterans Upward Bound program at Gadsden State Community College has recently moved into a new, more accessible location in the basement of Naylor Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus, enhancing the services for local veterans.
Previously located in a smaller space in Beck Field House, the move to Naylor Hall offers improved facilities and a more veteran-friendly environment to meet the needs of the program’s participants.
“The improvements represent our commitment to providing the best possible support to our veterans,” said Sarah Aultman, director of VUB. “After all, our goal is to assist veterans in a seamless transition from military service to civilian life.”
VUB is a federally funded TRIO program designed to help veterans meet their academic and career goals. The free services to eligible veterans include assistance with educational benefits, academic preparation, computer skills training, financial management education and enrollment at the school of their choice.
“There are a wide variety of free services provided to those who bravely served our country,” she said. “Eligible veterans also have the opportunity to receive a monthly stipend by participating in educational activities through the VUB program.”
VUB’s new space was formerly occupied by the Alabama Language Institute, which is now located in Allen Hall. The space has been updated to include several important features, including a newly resurfaced ADA-accessible ramp for easy entry through the main door and renovated accessible bathrooms. Designated “Veterans Only” parking spaces will be located in the back of Naylor Hall directly in front of the VUB office door. The new office also includes a computer lab and a dedicated quiet area for veterans to study as well as a meeting room designed for collaboration with community partners.
“The new space is not only more accessible, but it also creates a better environment for veterans to focus on their studies, access resources and connect with important community and college partners,” Aultman said. “We want to ensure that our veterans have the resources they need to succeed.”
In addition to the facility improvements, VUB is expanding its online Veterans Resource Guide, which serves as a central hub of information for veterans and community members. The guide includes vital resources related to education, housing, legal services and mental health.
“We encounter so many wonderful organizations and resources in our work,” Aultman said. “This expanded guide is a central place where veterans and community members can easily access information related to the needs they might have. We hope this will empower our veterans to succeed and build stronger connections with positive resources.”
For more information on VUB and to access the Veterans Resource Guide, visit www.GadsdenState.edu/VUB.
(From L-R) Sarah Aultman, director of Veteran’s Upward Bound; Lori Wheeler, Educational Specialist; Audra Allen, Office Manager; Paula Hillan-McLaury, Academic Recruiter
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