$100,000 MASCO donation to support WCC Veterans Center

Ann Arbor, Mich. – [Dec. 17, 2013] – The Masco Corporation Foundation has made a corporate gift of $250,000 to Washtenaw Community College [WCC] – the largest corporate gift the college has received to date.

To help support a growing community of military veterans who attend Washtenaw Community College – the Masco Corporation Foundation has committed $100,000 of the $250,000 gift to support the WCC Veterans Center [Center].

The money will be used to develop the online “Tools for Vet Success” course which provides veterans exposure to career opportunities and access to on-campus counseling and support services.

The grant will also provide veterans enrolled in the WCC Construction Technology program with a Masco sponsored toolbox. This toolbox consists of physical tools that will be needed for the WCC Construction Technology program. In addition, the grant will help support career-enhancing tools such as employer events or facilitate introductions to professionals who can talk about what is required for success in the construction industry.

“We are very honored to receive this grant from Masco Corporation and its Foundation on behalf of the hundreds of military veterans who choose to pursue their higher education at WCC,” said WCC President Dr. Rose Bellanca. “This financial support will allow us to use our resources to assure our valued veterans acquire the skills and knowledge they need to successfully transition into jobs that are in high demand in today’s economy,” she said. “I want each veteran to know they will be helped on an individual basis, be well prepared as they look for employment and given the resources they need to achieve a college certificate or degree.”

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, within the United States, Michigan currently ranks 11th in terms of numbers of military veterans, but is ranked fourth lowest for the rate at which veterans access their federal veterans’ benefits.

Michigan also has the highest veterans’ unemployment rate in the nation, at 29.4%, over twice the unemployment rate of the state as a whole (10.3%). [Source: Understanding the Economy: State-By-State Snapshots, 112th Congressional Joint Economic Committee Report. Includes data through May 2011.]

The number of veterans enrolling at WCC is growing at a rate faster than the traditional student population at WCC. To support this growth, in 2012, the college opened the Veterans Center to specifically serve the needs of men and women who served the United States in the military.

According to the American Council on Education, veterans often face unique challenges as they adjust to the higher education environment including: academic skill deficits, mental health issues, financial challenges or a stable home environment.

“Masco values the service and sacrifice of our U.S. veterans, active military and their families. We are proud of our new partnership with Washtenaw Community College, which recognizes and supports the unique learning environment of returning veterans, and provides outreach programs to better prepare them for a successful college experience.” said Masco’s President and CEO, Tim Wadhams.

The Masco Corporation Foundation supports not-for-profit arts, culture, housing and environmental initiatives. Additionally, the Foundation makes limited grants to a number of very specific civic, educational and human service programs in the communities where it does business. The Masco Corporation Foundation was founded in 1952 and is funded with contributions from Masco Corporation. Masco Foundation’s “America’s Heroes: A Million Thanks” initiative will be awarding over $1million in grants directly supporting veteran-focused organizations.

Washtenaw Community College (WCC) has made education accessible and affordable for the local community for 48 years. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, the College offers over 120 degrees and certificates, an open door admission policy and affordable tuition rates. WCC is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, the regional accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. www.wccnet.edu

For more information about the WCC Veterans Center, call (734) 477-8560. Center hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Media contact: Susan Ferraro, snferraro@wccnet.edu, (734) 922-6644.

[Editor’s note: Sukanya Jett, director of the WCC Veterans Center is available for interviews. Please contact Susan Ferraro at (734) 922-5568.]

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