Veterans Day Parade and Career and Resource Fair
Clark College’s Veterans Center of Excellence (VCOE) was able to attend the city of Vancouver Veterans Day Parade. We were humbled by the community support of over 78 local organizations that walked in the parade on behalf of the veteran community.
During the parade, the Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) hosted an Open House at Pearson Air Museum, where our Clark College Veterans Club hosted a face painting table. Our veteran students volunteered their time and connected with the community as well as local organizations, offering resources to veterans. The amount of community support was overwhelming, even in the drizzling rain. It was a great event for us and our students to be a part of.
Later that week, the VCOE held its second annual Career and Resource Fair on November 13, 2024.
Gaiser Student Center was filled with 48 tables of participating agencies, nonprofits, and businesses that provided veterans and veteran students with information about employment, internship opportunities, and community resources. Although geared toward the military-connected community, the event was also open to the rest of the college and community.
“We are so excited with our continuing partnerships and new opportunities we were able to host for our student and community participants,” said Donna Larson, Associate Director of the Veterans Center of Excellence.
Fair partner highlights
Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s office attended to connect our students and veterans with the correct federal agencies. We are grateful for the partnership and support we have from the congresswoman.
Goodwill Job Connection interviewed a few veteran students for current job opportunities for immediate hire. Washington Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA) made meaningful connections for future opportunities.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Portland VA Medical Center’s nursing department connected with our surgical education department to discuss creating a pipeline for jobs for Clark students moving forward.
Fair by the numbers
- 48 tables offering resources
- 75+ attendees
- Backpacks with school supplies distributed to students
We look forward to partnering on different job fair events moving forward for the veteran community.
Upcoming VCOE events
- December 2, 2024: The Veterans Club Roundtable
- March 4, 2025: Women’s Round Table Community event in partnership with CCVAC for women veterans.
About the VCOE
Located in the Penguin Union Building (PUB) 015, the VCOE is Clark’s hub for flexible and comprehensive support of all active duty, veteran, and military-affiliated students. The center helps students understand their benefits, discover resources, and connect with other military-affiliated students. The VCOE also has a hang-out space and study area with snacks, coffee, computers, printers, TV, and more.
Photos provided by Monica Patton.
