Greenville Technical College
Scott Perry, veteran and scholarship recipient, learns phlebotomy skills at Greenville Technical College from Rhonda Anderson.
Greenville Technical College
Left to right: Anthony Davis, Greenville Technical College’s Director of Veterans Affairs, Ron Demonet of Veteran Scholarships Forever, scholarship recipient Scott Perry, and Greenville Tech Phlebotomy instructor Rhonda Anderson.
Scott Perry, an Army veteran discharged in 2012, is the inaugural recipient. Perry, a Greenville Technical College Health Sciences student, is studying to become a nurse or physician’s assistant.
Scholarship funds will enable Perry to complete the college’s 11-week phlebotomy program in April.
“The phlebotomy program will serve as a stepping stone toward my ultimate goal,” Perry said. “I’ll be able to gain experience as I make connections in the healthcare field.”
Demonet established the organization in 2013, seeing the high unemployment rate of veterans. Financial aid options may allow the veteran population to enroll in programs leading to associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates, but those funds don’t apply to short-term, non-degree options that can deliver skills quickly.
"The most pressing issue for veterans transitioning out of the service is finding a good job,” Demonet said. “With a little training and job placement assistance, veterans can re-enter the civilian workforce quickly. … Since this type of training is not always eligible for state and federal financial aid, VSF is working to fill this funding void, and help veterans and their spouses obtain training that will move them toward a rewarding career."
“Our student veterans will greatly benefit from this assistance,” said Anthony Davis, Greenville Technical College’s Director of Veterans Affairs. “We are grateful that this type of assistance will allow more veterans to make a successful transition from serving our country to employment.”
Individuals and organizations interested in supporting veterans education may donate to the fund here.
Veterans interested in applying for scholarships may contact Steve Hand, director of Greenville Technical College’s Quick Jobs with a Future program, or call 864-250-8249 or Leslie Trant, Dean of Corporate and Career Development, or call 864-250-8600.