Queens College Offers Free Summer Courses To Vets

Some people express their gratitude with cards, letters, plaques, medals and mementoes. Queens College has found another way to say thanks to U.S. servicemen and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

In a gesture of appreciation, the Continuing Education Program (CEP) of Queens College will offer free tuition to any veteran who has served in Iraq or Afghanistan for courses that are not currently covered by the Veterans Administration. Beginning this summer, as part of the CEP Veterans Appreciation Program, returning war vets can register for such courses as real estate, foreign languages, computers and technology, health care, yoga, stress management, music, art, drama, insurance licensing, photography, writing and speech, college preparation, and more. Summer classes began Monday, June 4.

According to Thomas Cracovia, Queens College Continuing Education Program director, because space is limited, veterans will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis until the courses are filled. At least two seats per course will be reserved for qualified vets. Those who apply and do not get into their chosen course will be placed on a waiting list in case there are openings before classes begin. They can also reapply for a course the following semester. Veterans interested in taking classes must meet all enrollment requirements, sign an agreement to attend and have DD214 papers that show proof of service and honorable discharge.

"Through this program we hope to show how much we honor, support and appreciate the wonderful men and women who so bravely risked their lives overseas in the name of this country," Cracovia said.

For a complete list of courses or more information on this program, call 718-997-5700 or visit www.qc.cuny.edu/CEP.