VCOE Expands Supports for Veterans
Career & Resource Fair connects Veterans, families, and students
Pictured: Oswald with representatives from the Washington State Dept. of Veterans Affairs
More than 100 students, employees, and community members streamed steadily through rows of booths in the Student Center during the 3rd Annual Veterans and Student Career and Resource Fair. Coordinated by the Veterans Center of Excellence (VCOE), the Nov. 4th event offered an inclusive and welcoming networking space where military-connected students, their families, Clark students, and community members could explore employment, internships, and supportive resources.
In alignment with Clark’s overall mission, the event focused on building community and opening doors to professional and personal growth. Representatives from more than 40 organizations—including WorkSource Vancouver, Work for Warriors, and Clark County Food Bank—were on hand to answer questions and connect attendees with job opportunities and resources. Staff from Clark’s Human Resources and Career Services departments also engaged with participants throughout the event.
Among the participants was Robert, a Clark student studying psychology who hopes to work in law. He attended the fair seeking job support—not to speak with any specific vendor, but to explore all opportunities available. “This fair is full of people to support you,” he said. With multiple grandfathers who served in the military, Robert feels connected to the veteran community and appreciates having events like this on campus.
Pictured: Veteran John speaking with a representative from VanderHouwen
Prepared with copies of his resume, John, a veteran from the community, was also on the job hunt. After recent layoffs, he said he's faced more competition in the job market. For him, fairs like this are opportunities to make connections and find potential leads. “I had a great conversation with Clark’s Career Services! They were so knowledgeable,” he said.
The fair continues to grow as the needs of students increase, which includes the sheer number of those accessing benefits—enrollment of students accessing veteran benefits has increased by 44% since 2021-22.
In addition to coordinating events like the career and resource fair, the Veterans Center provides year-round support for veterans and military-connected students, helping remove barriers during their academic journeys. This year, the center also partnered with the Vancouver Housing Authority to host a panel of veterans who spoke about their service and experiences finding community—a reflection of the center’s ongoing efforts to support veterans with impactful support.
The VCOE is looking forward to more events in the coming months that foster community among Clark’s veteran population, like a holiday cookie decorating event in December. Each connection helps expand access to career and community resources for veterans as events like these continue to grow.
Learn More About the VCOE
The Clark College Veterans Center of Excellence is dedicated to making Clark College the first choice for veterans, active duty, and military-affiliated students. The center engages, supports, and empowers students to achieve their educational and professional goals by coordinating comprehensive services that address academic, financial, physical, and social needs. Offerings include tutoring, academic supplies, quiet study spaces, a computer lab with printers, practical workshops, and more. Learn more at Veterans Center of Excellence (clark.edu).
Photos: Clark College/Malena Goerl
Story by Kelly Aiello, VCOE Program Coordinator