Celebrate veterans career exploration event

On Wednesday, June 13, from 4 - 7 p.m., Central Lakes College will be hosting a Celebrate Veterans Career Exploration event at our Brainerd campus.  The event is one of many being planned by the Brainerd Lakes Community to help veterans and their families through this time of transition and will provide planning and support that will lead to jobs for vets. All veterans and their families in the seven-county region have been invited to attend the career exploration event.  It will provide an opportunity for them to explore career options while interacting with area businesses, service providers, and CLC instructors and staff. Guest speakers on June 13 will speak about veteran needs and educational benefits in a “Celebration of Veterans” program from 5:30 to 6 p.m. in the Chalberg Theatre on campus.

“Because of our strong compassion for our veterans, service members and families, we want to do everything we can to provide successful futures,” said Kathy Marshik, director of the Veterans Resource Center at CLC.

“We look at this as an opportunity to give back to our veterans,” said Dr. Larry Lundblad, CLC president. He said the celebration will be led by college veterans, military leadership, and congressional representatives. “During the celebration CLC student veterans will thank all our veterans for their service to our country.”

Child care and youth entertainment will be provided. Food and drinks will be offered in the cafeteria.

Sponsoring organizations include Initiative Foundation, Crow Wing Power, Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, United Way, Bremer Bank, Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (MnCEP), Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and veterans’ organizations throughout the state.

“A host of other companies are providing financial support to show their care and concern for our community veterans, service members, and families,” Marshik said.

Besides several departments of Central Lakes College, event participants will include

DEED/Work Force Centers, Rural MN CEP, VA reps, Employee Services Guard and Reserve, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Northern Pines, Family Assistance centers, and County Veterans Service officers.

              Services at the event will include business showcasing, educational program information and hands- on experiences to demonstrate career education at the college, free academic assessment, National Career Readiness Certification testing, connecting with workforce centers, veterans preference information, application procedures, resume resources, family support information, veterans medical service information, financial resources, and education benefits counseling.

             For information, contact Marshik at (218)-855-8279 or kmarshik@clcmn.edu or Deb Norlin, Career and Transfer Center at (218)-855-8156 or dnorlin@clcmn.edu

            Veterans wishing to pursue educational options will have an opportunity to speak with admissions staff and enroll at CLC during EZ Enrollment on Thursday, June 28.