Just this month, Clover Park Technical College had 30 new students, all of them veterans, start classes, which brings their current total veteran enrollment up to 300.

"Whether they are the veteran or they are a dependent, they have to come through me in order to get started," explained Glenda Epps, VA Registration Clerk at CPTC. "I certify them, help arrange schedules and answer any education benefit questions they have."

Most programs offered by CPTC are fully approved for benefits under the following Veterans Administration regulations: Chapter 30 (New GI Bill), Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation), Chapter 32 (VEAP), Chapter 34 (Old GI Bill), Chapter 35 (survivors & Dependents) and Chapter 106 (Reserves).

"I understand what they are going through and I try to make their transition as seamless as possible," said Epps, who spent four years in the Army herself.

Before enrolling at CPTC, veterans must complete their GI Bill application, which can be found here: www.gibill.va.gov. That process can often take upwards of six weeks, but once it is approved, potential students can meet with Epps and select a course of study. Servicemembers will also need to bring along a copy of their military transcripts.

To further help their students who have served, CPTC offers a Veteran Resource Center, open to any military dependent, active duty military or veteran, for private studying, counseling and assistance.

Clover Park Technical College is located at 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW in Lakewood and the Veteran's Office is in Building 22, Room 121. Appointments are not required and walk-ins are welcome during office hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday. For more information, call Epps at (253) 589-5581.