Three Rivers Community College is pleased to announce that it has earned the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School designation. Each year, the prestigious list of Military Friendly® Schools is provided to service members, veterans and their families, helping them select the best college to receive the education and training needed to pursue a civilian career.

To earn the Military Friendly® School designation, Three Rivers met thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer), and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“As a submarine veteran, I know the difference a college degree can make to our active duty and veteran students. For more than 50 years, Three Rivers has played a central role in higher education in Southeastern Connecticut. The Military Friendly recognition shows our continuing commitment to support the academic development of those who serve our country,” said Interim Dean of Academic and Student Affairs Kem Barfield.

The College has a Veterans Organization Student Group and an OASIS Center, which serves as the focal point for veterans’ activities and access to services such as academic advising, Veterans Administration educational benefits, and counseling. Though currently closed due to the pandemic, the OASIS center provides a place to take a break during the school day, study, and socialize with fellow veterans.

In 2019, Three Rivers became an officially associated chapter of the Veteran Students of America. Three Rivers has also dedicated two parking spaces to Purple Heart recipients, and the Three Rivers Veterans Organization puts together a large Thanksgiving Dinner food drive each year, completely meeting the needs of the Norwich Vets Center.

Military Friendly® is owned and operated by VIQTORY, a veteran-owned business. Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs ®, Military Spouse, and Military Friendly ® brands.

For more information about Three Rivers commitment to supporting military students, visit Three Rivers website at www.threerivers.edu/veteran. Three Rivers will be showcased along with other 2021 Military Friendly® Schools in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine. The list can also be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.