Veterans Services

Veteran graduates being recognized at 2015 commencement

KCC is proud to serve and provide an education for students who have served our country. We are committed to helping veterans as they return to college life.

Under specific federal and state laws, we provide full educational and training benefits for qualified veterans and the children of deceased or disabled veterans. We administer the following federal and state-affiliated educational programs:

Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill^®)
Chapter 31 (VA Vocational-Rehabilitation)
Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill^®)
Chapter 35 (Dependents’ Education)
Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill^® - Selected Reserve)
Chapter 1607 (REAP Reserve Educational Assistance Program)
Illinois Veterans Grant
Illinois National Guard Grant
MIA/POW Scholarship
Fry Scholarship
Tuition Assistance (TA)
Tuition Assistance (TA) DECIDE

To apply for federal VA education benefits, visit https://va.gov/education/how-to-apply.

To review a side-by-side comparison of GI Bill^® benefits, please use the GI Bill^® website’s comparison tool.

For State administered benefits, such as IVG, ING, or MIA/POW, visit the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) website.

Complete the Veteran Educational Benefits Request Form.

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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Your military transcript can help you receive academic credit for training completed while in the service.

As of March 1, 2013, AARTS (Army transcript), SMART (Navy transcript) and Coast Guard Institute Transcript have transitioned to the Joint Services Transcript (JST). The JST is a uniform transcript of all military training and experience for service members of all branches, except the Air Force, which has its own, regionally accredited transcript.

This new electronic transcript service includes Officer and Warrant Officer training, joint military training conducted by other services, and DANTES funded test scores.

Request official military transcripts

Army, Coast Guard, Navy and Marines – Joint Service Transcript (JST)
Air Force – Air University/Community College of the Air Force

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Kankakee County

Veterans Assistance Commission of Kankakee County
189 E. Court Street, 4th Floor
Kankakee, IL 60901
1-815-937-8489

State of Illinois

Illinois Student Assistance Commission
1755 Lake Cook Road
Deerfield, IL 60015-5209
1-800-899-ISAC (4722)

Illinois Veteran’s Grant application
Illinois National Guard Grant application
MIA/POW Scholarship

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs

Other Funding Sources

For information on KCC Foundation Scholarships, please visit KCC’s scholarship website.

Higher Education Veteran Services Act

The state of Illinois Higher Education Veterans Service Act requires all public colleges and universities to conduct a survey of the services and programs that are provided for veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families.

Public Act 096-0133

Administrative Procedures for Student Complaints

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KCC Veterans Resource Center
1-815-802-8558

The KCC Veterans Resource Center provides veterans with various resources and services.

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VA Benefits for Spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/

VA education benefits for survivors and dependents: https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/

Application for education benefits as an eligible dependent: https://www.va.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/application/5490/introduction

Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans; Dependents Scholarship: https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/services%20benefits/education/Pages/MIA%20POW-Scholarship.aspx

Complete the Veteran Educational Benefits Request Form

KCC Scholarships: https://foundation.kcc.edu/scholarships/

External Scholarships for Military Children & Spouses: https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/articles/college-scholarships-for-military-children-spouses

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For federal VA education benefits, go to Vets.gov

Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill®)
Chapter 31 (VA Vocational-Rehabilitation)
Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)
Chapter 35 (Dependents’ Education)
Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve)
Chapter 1607 (REAP Reserve Educational Assistance Program)

For Illinois Military Programs, go to ISAC’s website.

Illinois Veterans Grant
Illinois National Guard Grant
MIA/POW Scholarship

You will receive a Letter of Eligibility from the Department of Veteran Affairs once your benefits have been approved.
Please bring a copy of this Letter of Eligibility to the Financial Aid Office to utilize your VA education benefits.
Complete the KCC Veteran Education Benefits Request Form at the Office of Financial Aid.

Note: If you will be using CH. 30, CH.1606, or CH. 1607, you will be required to verify your enrollment on the last day of each month to initiate your stipend payment. To do so, visit W.A.V.E. or call 1-877-823-2378.

Apply for your VA education benefit(s).
Obtain your Letter of Eligibility for the benefit(s).
Provide a copy of your Letter of Eligibility to the KCC Financial Aid Office.
Register for your classes.
Complete the Veterans Education Benefits Request Form at the KCC Financial Aid Office to utilize your benefit(s).

Check out the GI Bill® Comparison Tool for more information!

You may call the GI Bill® Education hotline at 1-888-442-4551.
You may “Submit a Question” on the GI Bill website.

Please notify the KCC Office of Financial Aid about any changes in your enrollment while using VA education benefits. It is recommended that you see the Coordinator of Veteran Services prior to making changes to your schedule in order to better understand the outcome of such actions.

Contact

Edit Veteran Services Contacts

Kendra Souligne

Director of Financial Aid &
Student Engagement

815-802-8556
Email

Megan Ponton

Assistant Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Services, School Certifying Official

815-802-8553
Email

Veterans Services