November 2026 | Veterans, VRCs, and Credit for Prior Learning
This November, during National Veterans and Military Families Month, which includes Veterans Day on November 11, we honor and thank the veterans, active-duty service members, and military families who have served our country.
We recognize the important role that California community colleges play in supporting military-connected students as they pursue their educational and career goals. This month offers an opportunity, not only to express our appreciation, but also to reflect on how data and research can ensure veterans and military-connected students are seen, supported, and empowered.
California community colleges (CCCs) serve thousands of veterans and military-connected students each year. According to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), more than 45,000 veterans, active-duty, and other military students attended CCCs during the 2025–26 academic year.
CCC Statewide Veteran and Military (Active Duty, Active Reserve, National Guard) Student Headcount
Source: California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, DataVista, Vision 2030 Time Trend View (accessed October 26, 2026)
Veterans Resource Centers (VRCs) are an important part of this support network, offering students academic counseling, educational benefits, basic needs resources, and a community of peers who understand their experiences. Today, all 115 CCCs with a physical campus operate a VRC. These services are especially important as veterans navigate the transition from military service to higher education, often while balancing employment, family responsibilities, and other commitments.
A 2022 statewide study, conducted by The RP Group in partnership with Irvine Valley College, examined student veterans’ experiences with campus resources, mental and physical well-being, basic needs, and community connections. The findings underscore the importance of looking beyond enrollment and academic outcomes to fully understand the factors that shape student veterans’ experiences inside and outside the classroom.
Recent statewide initiatives and legislation reflect California’s continued efforts to expand educational opportunities for military-connected students. In September 2026, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2203, which expands priority registration to qualifying students who use federal GI Bill benefits, beginning in the 2028–29 academic year. CCCs are also making progress in recognizing military training and experience through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). The CCCCO Veteran Sprint initiative supported more than 18,000 veterans in receiving college credit for their military experience. These efforts recognize the knowledge and skills veterans bring to higher education and help them make faster progress toward their educational and career goals.
As we celebrate National Veterans and Military Families Month, we encourage our colleagues across the CCC system to consider how their institutions recognize and support military-connected students throughout the year.
Consider the following questions:
In addition, consider adding a National Veterans and Military Families Month badge or themed virtual background to your Zoom profile as a small but visible way to demonstrate appreciation and solidarity.
To all veterans, service members, and military families within our RP Group and CCC communities: thank you for your service, commitment, and contributions. We recognize and honor you this November and throughout the year.
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