The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District is making significant strides in supporting military and veteran students. With award-winning programs aimed at honoring and assisting veterans, these colleges provide a unique environment tailored to meet the needs of those who have served in the military.
Located in El Cajon, California, Cuyamaca College has made it a priority to connect veterans and their families to vital resources as they navigate their educational journeys. One standout success story is Navy veteran Isaiah Nailon, who, upon his enrollment in 2018, was encouraged by the Veterans Services team to aim higher than just attaining a bachelors degree. Motivated by his peers and advisors, Nailon successfully earned two masters degrees and is now back at Cuyamaca College, serving as the Counseling and Assessment Supervisor and Acting Veterans Center Supervisor.
At Grossmont College, the Veterans Resource Center has become a focal point for many military-affiliated students. Navy veteran Kelly Carlson highlights the center's computer lab as an essential space for her daily studies, noting its quiet atmosphere and valuable resources. The community support for these centers, including funding from Proposition V, underscores their importance, with Grossmont College offering an impressive array of amenities from counseling services to a place to grab a quick meal.
Both colleges are gearing up to celebrate Veterans Day on November 10, 2025, with organized events to honor their student veterans. Cuyamaca College will host a Pancake Breakfast along with a U.S. Marines Birthday Celebration, while Grossmont College plans a Salute to Service Luncheon at its Veterans Resource Center.
A closer look at the numbers reveals that military-affiliated students make up about 2.5% of the total student body across both colleges, which shows the prominence of veteran presence in the region. The district has a history of fostering veterans educational pursuits, supported by a network of community partners. This includes participation in initiatives like the Veterans East County Alliance (VECA) and local veteran-oriented events, enhancing their outreach and support.
Importantly, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District has been recognized by The Military Times as a Military Friendly School, emphasizing its commitment to creating a supportive atmosphere that encourages academic success for veterans. Innovative programs like the Mental Health for Veterans Demonstration Project and the Credit for Prior Learning initiative are also part of the infrastructure aiding students as they transition from military life to academia. Marine veteran Damarias Russell, currently pursuing an Associate of Science in Cybersecurity and Networking at Grossmont College, confirms that veterans who engage with these resources generally enjoy better academic performance.
New leadership at both colleges aims to elevate the already successful programs further. Gregory Pace, the new supervisor of the Grossmont College Veterans Resource Center, seeks to enhance the services available to veterans and expand student engagement. On Cuyamacas side, Justin Davis emphasizes collaboration with local nonprofits to establish career readiness programs for transitioning veterans.
As we observe the growth and evolution of these campuses, its evident that both Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges are dedicated to creating an environment where veterans can thrive. They are not just educational institutions; they are a lifeline for military personnel, reinforcing the critical role that community colleges play in the broader spectrum of veteran support.