Daytona State expands Vets Create program to include more art programs and 10 new scholarships

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (October 19, 2023) – Daytona State College has expanded its scholarship-supported Vets Create program to include more classes within this popular program. Veterans and their family members can sign up for ceramics, painting, drawing, design, photography, dance, theater and music courses during the upcoming Spring and Summer 2024 semesters. 

“I have witnessed first-hand the therapeutic qualities of the arts, the camaraderie created in a communal studio and the physical and mental benefits of the ceramic medium," said Trent Berning, chair of the Mike Curb College of Music, Entertainment and Art, School of Humanities, and associate professor of ceramics. "I am excited to expand our offerings as part of the Vets Create programs to include all of our studio arts classes for our veterans and their families.”

Berning, who also serves as project director for Vets Create, has more than 20 years of experience working with veterans. Daytona State’s Painting and Design instructors have nearly 40 years of combined experience in their fields and 15 years of experience working with veterans.

Designated as a Military Friendly institution, Daytona State enrolls more than 1,100 veterans each year. Its Veterans Center is dedicated to providing resources, support, tutoring, and advocacy to ensure success by student veterans, which includes providing information on scholarship or grant opportunities. The Vets Create grant will enable the College to expand its current support and engage student veterans who may be suffering from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Funding for the program is provided via a grant from The Margaret McCartney & R. Parks Williams Foundation, which was established in 2001 with funding priorities centered on education, veteran rehabilitative services, and the prevention of cruelty to children. It is currently managed through a partnership with the Truist Foundations & Endowments Specialty Practice department.

Veterans interested in being part of the Vets Create program are required to submit a paper detailing their interest to Trent.Berning@DaytonaState.edu and must qualify for in-state tuition. Space is limited so applicants are encouraged to act now. The deadline for submission is before spring semester 2024 classes begin on January 16, 2024. A deadline for the Summer 2024 semester will be announced later.

For more information, please contact Trent Berning at (386) 506-3347, or Trent.Berning@DaytonaState.edu.

# # #

Offering more than 100 certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree programs, Daytona State College is the leader in education and workforce training needs of Volusia and Flagler counties and beyond. The College enrolls approximately 23,000 students a year at its seven campuses, with graduates serving in critical fields including healthcare, emergency services and public safety, business, education, hospitality, engineering, project management, accounting, computer science, digital media, and more.

Daytona State has been recognized as a leader in higher education numerous times. U.S. News & World Report ranks the College among the Top Tier Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center ranks DSC among the top 50 most affordable public four-year institutions in the country, with less than half the tuition of the national average. And U.S. News & World Report has ranked DSC among its Top Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans multiple times.