In honor of the upcoming Veterans Day, the San Diego & Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association (SDICCCA) proudly recognizes the dedication and service of our nation’s veterans and celebrates the robust programs across our region that support them in achieving their educational and career goals.

 

With 10 community colleges across the two-county region, SDICCCA’s member institutions collectively serve 8,735 Veterans. The colleges offer tailored academic support, benefits counseling, career pathways, and a welcoming community that honors the unique experiences of military-connected students.

 

“Veterans bring extraordinary leadership, resilience, and life experience to our campuses,” said Dr. Mark Sanchez, 2025-26 President of SDICCCA and Superintendent/President of Southwestern College. “Our colleges are deeply honored to serve them as they pursue higher education, new careers, and continued service to their communities.”

 

Each SDICCCA college offers specialized Veterans Services designed to ease the transition from military to civilian life. These services include assistance with GI Bill® and VA educational benefits, mental health and counseling resources, priority registration, peer mentoring, and dedicated Veterans Resource Centers (VRCs) that provide community and connection.

 

Below, each college highlights its Veterans Services and the number of veterans students served in a year:

 

Cuyamaca College

Program Highlights: Cuyamaca College’s Veterans Center boasts an array of personal computers, ergonomic chairs, a spacious lounge with a large flat-screen television, and a fully stocked pantry and kitchenette. Veterans benefit from a range of cost-free resources, including bus passes, book vouchers, and hands-on assistance with GI Bill benefits – plus educational support for dependents.Veterans Served: Approximately 240.

Grossmont College

Program Highlights: Grossmont College’s bond-funded Veterans Center features an expansive kitchen and living room, private study area, computer lab equipped with 15 personal computers, printers, and counseling offices. Upstairs, military affiliated students can relax in a fully furnished, outdoor lounge offering picturesque views of Cowles Mountain and Mission Trails Regional Park. The center’s stockrooms contain laptops, backpacks, and more for veterans and dependents in need.Veterans Served: Approximately 400

Imperial Valley College

Program Highlights: Imperial Valley College’s Military & Veteran Success Center offers personalized guidance, academic assistance, and access to essential resources, including help with VA educational benefits, priority registration, tutoring, free school supplies, and a quiet lounge for study or reflection. Students can also access computer and printing services, snacks, coffee, a lending library, book gift cards, and calculator checkouts. Upcoming events include the Veterans Day Celebration on November 11 and an outreach event at the El Centro Border Patrol Sector on November 12.Veterans Served: 59

MiraCosta College

Program Highlights: MiraCosta College proudly supports its military-affiliated students through a comprehensive Veterans Services program. With $1.5 million in state funding, the college opened a new, state-of-the-art Veterans Center in the Student Services Building on the Oceanside Campus. The center includes an 800-square-foot lounge, computer stations, textbook loans, and offices for VA representatives and counselors. Serving more than 4,000 veterans, active-duty personnel, and dependents each year, the program offers academic advising, benefits assistance, and strong connections to Camp Pendleton.Veterans Served: 894

Palomar College

Program Highlights: The expanded Veterans Resource Center at Palomar College’s San Marcos campus supports veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents. Since 2020, over 1,800 active-duty Marines have earned the Palomar College Certificate of Achievement in Military Leadership—one of the college’s fastest-growing programs. Designed for Marines enrolled in Sergeants School at Camp Pendleton or Twentynine Palms, the program allows students to apply certificate credits toward an associate degree in military leadership, helping them advance both their military and academic careers.Veterans Served: 1,170 

San Diego City College

Program Highlights: City College has a long-standing commitment to providing military members with a dedicated Veterans Service Center focused on academics, community and wellness, plus a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs to help in the return to civilian life. It has been designated as Military Friendly and Military Spouse Friendly for 2025-26.Veterans Served: 1,383

San Diego College of Continuing Education

Program Highlights: Adult learners can utilize their VA Education Benefits at San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) to enroll in high-demand certificate programs, including Automotive Technician, Auto Body and Paint Technician, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding. SDCCE also proudly supports veterans through its dedicated Veterans Resource Center, which offers culturally responsive counseling, academic and career advising, resource navigation, workshops, and referrals to veteran-focused services.Veterans Served: 205

San Diego Mesa College

Program Highlights: Designated as Military Friendly and Military Spouse Friendly, the college provides a vast array of services specifically geared towards assisting veterans and helping their families succeed. Programs and services include financial aid and assistance with the GI Bill, as well as dedicated academic counselors. Mesa College also has an on-campus Veterans Success Center where veterans can gather for community in addition to being able to access resources, such as tutoring. Mesa College also offers multiple scholarships and an internship program for veterans.Veterans Served: 1,764

San Diego Miramar College

Program Highlights: Miramar College offers a variety of general education courses aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS) and in February, the college opened an expanded Veterans Resource Center. Services include peer mentoring, tutorial, admissions, orientation, and mental health counseling services.Veterans Served: 1,870

Southwestern College

Veteran Profile: “When I retired, education felt like my next mission, and Southwestern College became my home. The programs were strong, the community was welcoming, and most importantly, the Veterans Center made me feel like I wasn’t starting this new chapter alone. I even convinced my wife, who is currently Navy active duty, to walk this college journey with me!” said Luis, a U.S. Army veteran and Southwestern College student. Read full story here.Veterans Served: 750

 

Together, SDICCCA’s colleges are proud to stand beside the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform — providing the tools, community, and opportunities they need to thrive beyond service.

 

Source: San Diego & Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association