June 11, 2008...

Participants in Trident Technical College’s Veterans Upward Bound pre-college program are planning to attend two Spoleto events: the musical theater production “Monkey: Journey to the West,” and “Music in Time,” featuring three musical works by composer Anthony Davis.

Brian Jerdan, director of Veterans Upward Bound, believes that by arranging for participants to attend these cultural events, they will be more thoroughly prepared for college.

“Veterans Upward Bound is dedicated to helping veterans achieve their full potential, and cultural enrichment activities play an important role in this development,” said Jerdan. “Exposure to the arts increases creative decision-making, fosters both personal reflection and interpersonal understanding, and enhances global awareness. Attending cultural events such as the ones Spoleto offers provides individuals with a unique opportunity for growth, and some of the participants in our program otherwise might not be able to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Participants enrolled in Veterans Upward Bound are eagerly anticipating the Spoleto performances.

“I can hardly wait to attend,” said Scott Thomas, a former Marine, who is preparing for college and planning for a career in radiology. “I’ve been here since the first Spoleto and am always looking forward to its arrival. It puts something special in the air.” 

Juan Perez, a National Guardsman, also considers these performances opportunities to prepare for college. “It’s the first time I’ve ever been to a Spoleto event, so I’m excited about it,” he said. “I’ve benefited from Veterans Upward Bound by getting into the right mindset to get back into school. It’s prepared me for the different challenges that are going to be coming up.”

Veterans Upward Bound is a free, federally funded, pre-college TRIO program designed to help eligible U.S. military veterans refresh their academic skills so that they can successfully enroll in and complete postsecondary education. TTC’s VUB project will serve 120 eligible participants each year by providing core curriculum refresher classes, academic and career counseling, tutoring, mentoring and other related services. To qualify, veterans must meet certain income requirements and/or be first generation college students; they must also have served at least 181 days of active military service and have a discharge that is other than dishonorable.

For more information about this program, call Brian Jerdan at 843-574-6871 or visit www.tridenttech.edu/vub.htm.