The announcement of a $50,000 grant from The Boeing Company will give veteran students at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) new opportunities to train for careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through a new comprehensive program called STEMVets.
The new program will launch in spring 2019 with the goal of 40 participants. It will focus on three key areas to assist veterans in their college career—recruitment, support services and assistance with transferring to complete their four-year degree. OCCC has found past success with their Students Connecting with Mentors for Success program which incorporates many of the same program components.
“OCCC is committed to providing broader educational opportunities and STEM-focused skills to veteran students,†said OCCC President Jerry Steward. “Through this generous grant from Boeing, we can help veterans leverage their military training and experience to become Oklahoma workforce ready in high-demand fields like aerospace, engineering and information technology.â€
OCCC has long been investing in programming and on-campus resources for veteran students. The college opened a veteran’s lounge on campus and maintains an office that deals solely with veteran support. The bulk of the Boeing funds will be used to expand and capitalize these existing resources. The college plans to fully staff the veteran’s lounge with peer student mentors/tutors and invest in guided mentorship programming in the STEM fields.
The OCCC grant is part of a larger $55 million charitable grants package the Boeing announced on November 19. The grants will support 443 nonprofit organizations in 47 countries, funding programs through 2019 and beyond. Included in the package is $13 million for veterans’ recovery and rehabilitation programs and workforce transition services — representing an increase in charitable giving of more than 70 percent over 2017.
“Our people have unique skills and an unwavering passion for making a difference in the world, both through our products and services and the ways we give back to our communities,” said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing chairman, president and chief executive officer. “When that’s combined with our professional networks, partnerships and financial resources, we have the potential to drive positive, lasting change across the globe in important areas such as STEM learning and veterans’ support.”
Veterans interested in the STEMVets program are encouraged to contact the office of Student Support Services at (405) 682-7520 or visit https://www.occc.edu/support.
The Oklahoma City Community College Foundation supports the mission of OCCC by engaging the community to provide opportunities for students through increasing philanthropic support and awareness of the college and its activities. For more information about how to support programs like this one at OCCC, visit www.occc.edu/foundation or call 405-682-7591.
About Oklahoma City Community College
OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students annually. The college is currently the largest adult basic education provider in the state. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 60 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.
About The Boeing Company
Through purposeful investments, employee engagement and thoughtful advocacy efforts, Boeing and its employees support innovative partnerships and programs that align with the company’s strategic objectives, create value and help build better communities worldwide.
Chicago-based Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 150 countries.
See how Boeing is making a difference for Our Future, Our Heroes and Our Homes by visiting the 2018 Boeing Global Engagement Portfolio at Boeing.com/community. Engage with us on social @Boeing with #BoeingInspires.
