One of the 2019-2020 Bronze Military Friendly Schools is Three Rivers Community College (TRCC) in Norwich.
Every year, veterans, members of the armed forces, and their families receive an elite list of schools that have proven to be the most military friendly. They use the list to choose the optimal institution to learn and train for a successful career in the civilian world.
In order to earn the Bronze designation, TRCC excelled in graduation, loan replacement, loan default, student retention, job placement, and persistence in transfers and degree advancement. The thresholds applied to all students but also for veterans specifically.
Student Services Acting Dean Steve Finton expressed pride in helping those in the military, as a veteran himself. He is also proud of the college's pledge to the community to create a welcoming environment and essential resource, which has earned it recognition as a Military Friendly School.
Three Rivers has an OASIS Center and a Veterans’ Organization for students. The center is a hub for veteran services and activities like counseling, academic advising, and educational benefits from the Veterans Administration. Veterans can also study and connect with other veterans. An idea to make veterans feel more welcome is to create a graphic design for some of the school's merchandise, possibly incorporating military and veterans.
The veteran population at Three Rivers is 8% and the college now has an association with a Veteran Students of America chapter. Last year, it served 75 meals for the Norwich Vets Center in the Thanksgiving food drive.