Cabrillo College Foundation is raising funds for emergency grants that support student veterans experiencing unexpected financial hardships.
The Student Veterans Endowment (SVE) provides between $500 to $1,500 to help student veterans cover rent, utilities, groceries, transportation and childcare as they transition back to civilian life. Since 2020, the grants provide critical assistance to help student veterans stay enrolled in college and continue pursuing their educational goals.
U.S. Air Force veteran and Yale medical student Thomas Ghio is a Cabrillo College alumnus who received an emergency grant. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Ghio served on deployments in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.
“I had the goal of going to medical school, and I knew that Cabrillo would be a good first step for me. I was able to find a community here that helped support me academically and socially,” Ghio said. “Thank you to everybody who’s donated to the Student Veteran Endowment. It helps veterans like me to chase our dreams.”
The endowment launched six years ago through the vision of Cabrillo College Mental Health Counselor and alumnus Flor Chacón, along with former Cabrillo College student veterans Morfett Flores and Lhea Aragon.
“Sometimes one unexpected expense is all it takes to push a veteran out of school, so a safety net was created for fellow veterans to bridge the gap when a student veteran hits a financial emergency. While the Cabrillo College Veterans Information Center (VIC) works on longer-term help through the VA and community partners, an SVE grant can keep that student in school right now,” said Les Forster, a Navy veteran and Cabrillo College alumnus who is co-chair of the Student Veterans Endowment Committee.
About 120 student veterans are enrolled at Cabrillo College, where they receive help at the Veterans Information Center. Student veterans can find assistance with navigating the GI Bill and VA benefits, connecting with academic counselors and finding peer support. The center is led by Marine veteran, Cabrillo College alumnus and Program Coordinator JuanDiego Alvarez, who provides a welcoming space to study and connect with fellow veterans.
“Our student veterans spend a lot of time in the VIC, which allows me to build real connections with them,” Alvarez said. “I’ve walked in their shoes when transitioning back to civilian life, so I can offer support from a place of genuine understanding.”
Across the country, nearly half of all student veterans attend a community college, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. And nearly two-thirds of student veterans are first-generation college students, according to the Student Veterans of America.
“Our student veterans bring leadership, discipline, and real-world experience into the classroom. They make Cabrillo a better place to learn for everyone,” President Jenn Capps said. “Because of your support, the Student Veterans Endowment can step in with an emergency grant at the right moment, and that can be the difference between finishing the semester and walking away.”
To learn more about the Student Veteran Endowment, or to donate, visit cabrillo.edu/veteran-information-center/student-veteran-endowment.
