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Overview

Daytona State College is honored to serve those who have served, their families and those who are pursuing careers in the military. Daytona State has been designated a “Military Friendly” college and DSC Veterans Services Coordinator Charles “Chuck” Fordham II was named a 2023 Veteran Champion in Higher Education.

Whether you are active military, a veteran, a qualified family member, or are interested or participating in a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, we are here to help you achieve your educational goals.

Veterans Services Center

The Mission of the Daytona State College Veterans Center is to provide educational resources and assistance for active military personnel, veterans, their spouses and dependents under the Department of Veteran Affairs Educational Benefits Program. The Veterans Center is focused on assisting with the transition to student life and providing support by offering services, resources, and Military Friendly School Gold Emblem assistance programs through Daytona State College to promote student success.

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Purple Star School of Distinction and Purple Star School District Designations

The Florida Purple Star School of Distinction Designation was established by the Florida legislature in 2021 and further defined in Rule 6A-1.0999, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). The Florida Purple Star School District Program was established by the Florida legislature in 2024. Once awarded, schools and districts will maintain their designation as a Purple Star School of Distinction or Purple Star School District for three school years.

The purpose of the Purple Star School of Distinction Designation and Purple Star School District Program is to recognize schools that support the unique needs of military families, help military-connected students navigate critical challenges and provide resources for military-connected students when transitioning to a new school environment.

People also ask

What is a Florida purple Star school?

The purpose of the Purple Star School of Distinction Designation and Purple Star School District Program is to recognize schools that support the unique needs of military families, help military-connected students navigate critical challenges and provide resources for military-connected students when transitioning to a ...

The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.

If a school site has already been designated as a Purple Star School, the school site does not have to apply again for three years.

Collegiate Purple Star Schools of Distinction

  • Daytona State College.
  • Gulf Coast State College.
  • Indian River State College.
  • Santa Fe College.
  • State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.
  • Seminole State College of Florida.
  • Tallahassee Community College.

DSC Military Student Transition Program

The Military Student Transition Program (MSTP) is a student-led program to assist new or transfer military students transitioning into Daytona State College. 

New or transfer Military Students are defined as:

  • An active-duty member or veteran of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard;
  • A member of the reserve component of any branch of the United States military;
  • A member of the Florida National Guard; or
  • The spouse or dependent of a military member.
Air Force ROTC

Air Force ROTC

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is an educational program designed to give men and women the opportunity to become Air and Space Force officers while completing their degrees. The program is designed to prepare you to assume positions of increasing responsibility and importance in the modern Air Force and Space Force.

As a student at Daytona State College, the AFROTC program allows you to participate in training at Detachment 157 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while taking classes at Daytona State. DSC offers degree programs not eligible at Embry-Riddle, such as nursing, and Air Force ROTC offers the path to pursue those careers on active duty.

Army ROTC

Army ROTC

As a student at Daytona State College, the Army ROTC program allows you to gain the experience to become a United States Army Officer while in college. Upon successful completion of the ROTC program and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as officers in the U.S. Army. They can choose to serve in either the Active Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard, depending on the needs of the Army and their personal preferences. Officers in the Army lead and manage soldiers in various roles, ranging from combat arms to support and administrative positions.

Participating in Army ROTC can provide numerous benefits, including leadership development, discipline, physical fitness, and financial assistance. It can also offer opportunities for specialized training, scholarships, and internships. ROTC graduates often find themselves well-prepared for successful military careers or civilian professions that value leadership and problem-solving skills.

Vets Create Artwork

Vets Create Program

The Vets Create program offers student-veterans and their families access to a variety of art courses as a means of expression, social reintegration, healing, and engagement, as well as learning. Classes range from ceramics, painting, drawing, design, photography, dance, theater, and music alongside non-veteran peers. Thanks to grant funds, we offer scholarships, covering in-state tuition, fees, tool kits, and art supplies up to $400 per class. Plus, enjoy enhanced creativity and social support. Join us and paint a brighter future with improved mental well-being and increased success in your academic journey.

Veteran Information

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  • New Student Process

    New students to Daytona State College that plan to use VA Benefits need to complete the following steps in order.

    1. Apply for VA Education Benefits - allow up to three weeks for processing
      • Receive your Certificate of Eligibility
    2. Apply for admission to Daytona State College
    3. Request Official Transcripts: military, high school, GED, and all colleges previously attended
    4. Complete Orientation and your Group New Student Advising session
    5. Register for classes
    6. Submit the following forms to the Student Accounts Office:
  • Continuing Students Process

    Each semester, the following documents need to be submitted to the Student Accounts Office for a benefits claim to be processed with the Veterans Services Office.

    1. Veterans Certification Request
    2. Veterans Deferment
    3. Class schedule and fee statement
  • Training Rates

    Standard 15-19 Week Semester

    Maximum Allowance
    Training Time: Full-time
    Credit Hours: 12 or more

    75% of Maximum
    Training Time: ¾-time
    Credit Hours: 9-11

    50% of Maximum
    Training Time: ½-time
    Credit Hours: 6-8

    Tuition & Fees
    Training Time: Below ½-time
    Credit Hours: 5 or less

    Accelerated & Summer Sessions

    12 Weeks
    Full-time: 8 or more
    ¾-time: 6-7
    ½-time: 4-5

    10 Weeks
    Full-time: 7 or more
    ¾-time: 5-6
    ½-time: 4

    8 Weeks
    Full-time: 6 or more
    ¾-time: 4-5
    ½-time: 3

    6 Weeks
    Full-time: 4 or more
    ¾-time: 3
    ½-time: 2

     

  • Types of VA Benefits

    Chapter 30

    The Montgomery GI Bill® program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the MGIB.

    Chapter 31 

    The Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program offers a number of services to help each eligible disabled veteran reach his or her rehabilitation goal. These services include vocational and personal counseling, education and training, financial aid, job assistance, and, if needed, medical and dental treatment. Services generally last up to 48 months, but they can be extended in certain instances.

    Chapter 33 

    The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after Sept. 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

    Chapter 35 

    Dependents’ Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 36 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

    Chapter 1606 

    The MGIB-Selective Reserve program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.

 

Contact Us

Veterans Services, Daytona Beach Campus

Wetherell Center (Building 100), Room 205
VeteransServices@DaytonaState.edu
(386) 506-3956

Chuck Fordham, Veterans Services Coordinator

Wetherell Center (Building 100), Room 205
Charles.Fordham@DaytonaState.edu 
(386) 506-3870

Lori Costello - For Certification Questions

Wetherell Center (Building 100), Room 102
Lori.Costello@daytonastate.edu
(386) 506-3065

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.