The Center provides academic advising , assists with course scheduling , helps students apply and qualify for veteran-specific financial aid and VA benefits , offers veteran work-study opportunities , provides mentoring and support services , and promotes social networking on college campuses through the student clubs like the Collegiate Veterans Society .
“ The Military Veterans Service Center has been a huge help by connecting me with other students who ’ ve taken similar classes , creating a community of support . They also provide great resources like tutoring , which has been incredibly beneficial ,” said Alexander West , a student at Eastern Florida . “ I served in the Navy for seven years , spending three years aboard the USS Michael Murphy from 2015 to 2018 and later as an instructor in Pensacola from 2018 to 2021 . I graduated with my AA in the spring of 2024 and am currently taking transient courses with UCF here at Eastern Florida .”
The Center also serves as a safe space for veterans , offering dedicated areas at the Cocoa and Melbourne campuses , and soon to be on the Palm Bay campus , where veterans can connect , share experiences , and build camaraderie . This support network helps them feel more comfortable and better equipped to navigate the challenges of higher education .
The reopening of the Palm Bay Center is an exciting development for military-connected students in the area . Although the center was closed during the pandemic , its reopening will cater to a growing student population and address the transportation challenges faced by some veterans . Plans are underway to fully operationalize the Palm Bay location by spring 2025 , providing veterans more access to resources at an additional campus .
The Purple Star Campus designation is more than an honor ; it is a call to action . It challenges EFSC to continue its work in fostering an environment where military families can thrive . With the dedication of its Military and Veterans Service team , the College is well-positioned to rise to this challenge , ensuring that the sacrifices of military families are met with unwavering support .
“ Congratulations to Eastern Florida State College ,” said Kathryn Hebda , Florida College System Chancellor . “ I am pleased to commend you for the services you provide at all sites to all active military and veteran students and their families .”
As EFSC celebrates this milestone , it also looks to the future , striving to expand its impact and build even stronger support systems for militaryconnected students .