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Veterans hoping to go to college have a new opportunity to do so as local philanthropists have launched a new scholarship program to help former members of the military attend community colleges.
"I asked myself, what can I do to support the troops coming home from Iraq?" said Gary Lamit, a De Anza Community College instructor of mechanical design who launched the Scholarships for Veterans program last fall. Although Lamit is not a veteran, he said the poor reception received by many soldiers returning from Vietnam inspired him to establish the scholarship program. He views the scholarships as a way to make veterans from Iraq feel welcomed. Lamit launched a similar program last year for those who fled Vietnam in 1975.
"We hope people can put their politics aside and let the troops know they are appreciated," Lamit said.
Lamit hopes to make Scholarships for Veterans available at 100 colleges with an endowment of $100,000. De Anza is the first of six area schools to offer the scholarships, while San Jose City College, Evergreen Valley College, West Valley College, Foothill College and Mission College plan to participate in the program, as well.
"We wanted to do something to help the soldiers, regardless of where you stand politically," said Steven Hayes Young, a local businessman and author, who helped Lamit launch the nonpartisan organization.
Lamit, Young and several other individuals provided the initial funds for Scholarships for Veterans. Hewlett-Packard also agreed to match employees' donations. Scholarships cover tuition and fees for one term at De Anza.
Ultimately, Scholarships for Veterans hopes to provide tuition and fees for a two-year associate's degree.
Lamit said officials with the FoothillDe Anza Foundation, which will administer the scholarships, have been "wonderful about working with us."
He also hopes the local community will contribute.
"It's a way to raise funds for a good cause," said Young.
"What better way is there than a nonpolitical, nonpartisan foundation working with people at different colleges," said Lamit.
The deadline for the first scholarships at De Anza College is Feb. 15.
Former members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard are eligible to apply. For more information visit, www.scholarshipsforveterans.org.
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