VRC Banner

At Northern’s Veterans Resource Center you can get certified to use your GI Bill®*, including the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. You can also find out about all the services offered at Northern for veterans. 

You can access your GI Bill® account and apply for benefits online at www.gibill.va.gov.

  • If you are the veteran, you will use DD form 22-1990.
  • If you are a dependent or spouse of a service member or veteran, and you would like to apply for GI Bill® Education benefits to be used here at Northern you will need to complete DD form 22-5490.
  • If you are changing schools or programs of study, you will need to complete a DD form 22-5495 or 22-1995.
  • You may submit these applications electronically by visiting the above web site at www.gibill.va.gov.
  • Or, come to the Student Veteran's Office and fill out applications in person with our helpful staff.
  • Make sure you bring in copies of your applications and DD form 214.
  • Each semester you need to bring in your class schedule to a VA Certifying Official for certification of benefits.
  • *GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

 

Veterans Resource Center Links

Contact us at: (505) 747-5499
Northern’s VA Certifying Official:
Valentina Livingston
valentina.livingston@nnmc.edu

 

CRISIS HOTLINES

Veterans Crisis Line
1 (800) 273.TALK (8255)
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line
1 (855) NMCRISIS (662.7474)
Agora Crisis Line
1 (505) 277.3013
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
1 (877) 4AID.VET (424.3838)
VA Caregiver Support Line
1 (855) 260.3274
Wounded Warrior Resource Center
1 (800) 342.9647

Northern provides student Veterans the following benefits:

  • Access to specialized support services through the Veteran Resource Center, including academic advising tailored to veterans' needs.
  • Opportunities for utilizing GI Bill® benefits and other financial aid programs to cover tuition and living expenses.
  • A supportive community of fellow veterans, providing camaraderie, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging.
  • Dedicated counseling services to address the unique challenges and experiences faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life.
  • Career development resources, such as resume assistance, job placement assistance, and connections to employers who value military experience.
  • Recognition of military training and experience for academic credit or placement, helping veterans accelerate their degree completion.
  • Access to campus facilities and resources, including libraries, computer labs, and recreational facilities, fostering a conducive learning environment.


In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), this educational institution adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. This educational institution will not:

  • Prevent the student’s enrollment;
  • Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
  • Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
  • Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.


However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

  • Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
  • Provide a written request to be certified;
  • Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.

 

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

More about the VRC

Mission Statement
The mission of the Veteran Resource Center at Northern New Mexico College is to serve as a dedicated hub for veterans, offering essential resources, personalized support, and a sense of community. Our aim is to empower veterans as they navigate their educational journey, career transitions, and overall well-being. Through holistic assistance, advocacy, and collaboration with campus and community partners, we strive to ensure that every veteran receives the guidance and resources they need to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. We are committed to honoring their service by providing a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters success and promotes a seamless transition to civilian life.
Our Values
  • Collaborative Engagement: Form partnerships with educational institutions, community groups, and military support services to create strong networks of assistance for veterans, service members, and their families.
  • Academic Success Focus: Prioritize aiding veterans and service members in transitioning to academic life while supporting their families, ensuring they can maintain focus on educational goals amidst the challenges of student life.
  • Retention Initiative: Support the retention of veteran students, faculty, and staff, as well as military families, by facilitating access to institutional benefits and resources.
  • Empowerment Efforts: Empower veterans and military families by equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to apply their unique skills to academic pursuits and beyond.
  • Social Equity Advocacy: Advocate for social justice and inclusivity within the educational community by addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by transitioning veterans and military families, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
Upcoming Events
  • Remembrance March
  • Healing/Mental health workshops for veterans.
  • Success rate of veteran students
  • Key military contacts such as the VA
  • Breakfast and other luncheons
History of the GI Bill

With its history of expansions and additions to benefits for service members and veterans, the GI bill has been a life-changing piece of legislation since it first passed in 1944. Today, the GI bill helps qualifying veterans pay for higher education and training programs.

The original bill, the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, expired in 1956, but the colloquial term “GI bill” refers to legislation that has created programs for veterans since then. The legislation was extended as the Montgomery GI bill and again in the form of the Post-9/11 GI bill.

Former President Donald Trump signed the Forever GI bill in 2017 which, in many cases, increased benefits and lengthened the time frame in which the veteran or service members must use their benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

CRISIS HOTLINES
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 1 (800) 273.TALK (8255)
  • New Mexico Crisis and Access Line: 1 (855) NMCRISIS (662.7474)
  • Agora Crisis Line: 1 (505) 277.3013
  • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1 (877) 4AID.VET (424.3838)
  • VA Caregiver Support Line: 1 (855) 260.3274
  • Wounded Warrior Resource Center: 1 (800) 342.9647

 

 

Iggy