Veterans Upward Bound
Redlands Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is a free college-prep program that provides
skills and advice to help qualified military veterans achieve their academic goals.
The program prepares veterans to enroll in a postsecondary school (university, community
college or vocational/technical programs).
VUB is funded by the U.S. Department of Education as part of the TRIO program, which serves low-income and first-generation college students.
Veterans Upward Bound Staff
Eligibility Information
Veterans are eligible to participate in the Veterans Upward Bound Program who meet the following criteria:
Active Duty
- Served on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States
- Served for more than 180 days
- Discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable
- Discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability (180 days does not apply)
Reservist / National Guard
- Member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces called to active duty for a period of more than 30 days.
- Member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who served less than 30 days on active duty in support of a contingency operation (under Title 10) designated by the Secretary of Defense as an operation in which members of the armed forces are or may become involved in military actions, operations, or hostilities against an enemy of the United States or against an opposing military force, on or after September 11, 2001
Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve component must meet one or both of the following below:
- First-generation college students (Individual whose natural or adoptive parents have not received a baccalaureate degree)
- Economically disadvantaged
Documents Required
- Copy of Military Discharge/DD 214 (Member 4 copy, which includes character of service).
If unavailable or lost, it can be ordered online, or an Accredited Veterans Service Organization can assist you in ordering the DD-214, or you can mail or fax a Standard Form 180 (SF-180) to National Archives. The Center will respond in writing by U.S. Mail
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
Fax: (314) 801-9195 - Copy of Activation/Deployment Orders (only for applicable reserve members)
- Your most recent federal tax return (signed)
VUB offers a wide array of services and activities to meet the individual educational needs and aspirations of veterans.
- College preparation instruction and tutoring for math and English skills improvement
- Instruction in other subjects: science, foreign languages, computer skills, study skills, and financial literacy
- Tutorial support necessary for success in a post-secondary program of study
- Pre/post assessment testing in math, reading, and writing
- Preparation and testing for academic placement exams
- Academic and career advisement based on assessment needs
- Application assistance: financial aid, veterans education benefits, Joint Services Transcript
- Advisement and assistance with college admission and enrollment
- Referrals to additional college and community resources
- Supportive services needed to obtain a high school GED certificate
- Veterans VA Claims and Benefits
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Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs - 405.523.4000
VA Disability Compensation - 800.827.1000
- Veterans VA Health Care
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If you’re having a medical emergency, please call 911 or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800.273.8255, then press 1.
VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City - VAMC 405.456.1000 or VAMC Patient Advocate 405.456.1788
Fort Sill VA Clinic - 580.585.5600
Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)
Vet Center Call Center - 877.WAR.VETS (877.927.8387)
Vet Center, Oklahoma City - 405.456.5184
Vet Center, Lawton - 580.585.5880
- Veteran Education Benefits
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Redlands Community College GI Bill Office
Student.Records@redlandscc.edu
Phone – 405.422.6283
Fax – 405.422.1242Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
VA Education Benefits Application
- Oklahoma Veterans Registry
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The Oklahoma Veterans Registry allows Oklahoma’s veterans to voluntarily identify themselves to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) to verify eligibility for state benefits. Additionally, ODVA can utilize the registry in reaching out to Oklahoma’s veterans to notify them of other state and federal benefits.
- State Veterans Benefits
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Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs - 405.523.4000
Oklahoma State Veteran Benefits
ODVA State Benefits
125 S. Main Room 138B,
Muskogee, OK 74401
Phone: 918.781.7766 or 405.523.4000 - Request for DD-214
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An accredited veterans service organization can assist you in ordering a DD-214.
National Archives
Request online
Submit a traditional request form by mail or fax
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
Fax a letter or Standard Form 180 to: 314.801.9195Oklahoma State Veteran Benefits
ODVA State Benefits
125 S. Main Room 138B,
Muskogee, OK 74401
Phone: 918.781.7766 or 405.523.4000 - U.S. Department of Education - Veterans Upward Bound
- VALOR - Veterans Assistance Locator
- What is Veterans Upward Bound?
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Veterans Upward Bound is a free college-prep program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. This federally funded program is designed to help qualified military veterans prepare to enroll in a postsecondary school (university, community college, and vocational/technical programs). VUB provides skills and advice to enable veterans to achieve their academic goals. VUB is a part of a group of programs called TRIO programs. These programs serve low-income and first generation college students.
For more information we can be reached at the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- Where is the Redlands Community College Veterans Upward Bound located?
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The primary Oklahoma target area for Veterans Upward Bound at Redlands Community College are the following 14 counties: Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Comanche, Garfield, Grady, Kay, Kiowa, Lincoln, Logan, Noble, Oklahoma, Pawnee and Stephens. The program has satellite offices operating out of the following cities: El Reno at Redlands Community College and Lawton at the Workforce office.
For more information we can be reached at the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- Does the VUB program at Redlands Community College only help those that want to attend Redlands?
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Definitely not! We will help any qualified veteran no matter what school he or she plans to attend. We will help you choose the best program and school to fit your individual needs. For more information we can be reached at the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- How can I enroll in Veterans Upward Bound?
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Complete the online VUB application or contact the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- What documentation do I need to qualify for Veterans Upward Bound?
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You will need:
a copy of Military Dischard/DD-214 (Member 4 copy which includes character of service. a copy of Activation/Deployment Orders (only for applicable reserve members) your most recent federal tax return (signed)National Archives
Request online
Submit a traditional request form by mail or fax
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
Fax a letter or Standard Form 180 to: 314.801.9195Oklahoma State Veteran Benefits
ODVA State Benefits
125 S. Main Room 138B,
Muskogee, OK 74401
Phone: 918.781.7766 or 405.523.4000An accredited veterans service organization can assist you in ordering a DD-214.
- Does VUB provide financial aid?
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No. Although all services are free to qualified students, we do not provide financial aid for college, university or technical school. We can, however, help you with the financial aid application process, as well as putting you in contact with the appropriate financial aid officials at your prospective school.
For more information we can be reached at the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- Can VUB help me choose a career or school?
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Yes. Using a variety of career interest inventories, our Academic Specialist will work with you to help you determine what career field might be appropriate for you. We can also help you determine which school will best prepare you for your chosen field.
For more information we can be reached at the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- What are the benefits of attending and completing Veterans Upward Bound?
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Veterans can take a college placement test in the VUB program office. The VUB staff will help you enroll or return to college, advise you on college programs and degrees available in Oklahoma, and offer personal and career counseling with professional staff. Veterans are encouraged to return to VUB for additional help and advice throughout their college career.
For more information we can be reached at the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- What must I do to qualify for VUB?
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To benefit from our free educational services you must first meet a few simple eligibility requirements: All participants must have served in active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for more than 180 days and received other than a dishonorable discharge; was discharged because of a service connected disability; was a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces called to active duty for a period of more than 30 days; or was a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of a contingency operation on or after September 11, 2001.
All participants must be either low-income (based on family income and number of dependents) or potential first generation college students (neither parent earned a 4-year degree). All participants must demonstrate academic potential as well as have academic need.
If you are not sure if you qualify, give us a call and we would be glad to explain the eligibility requirements in further detail. For more information contact the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- What can VUB do for me?
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When you begin the VUB program, you will work one-on-one with an academic specialist to discuss your interests and both your short-term and long-term goals. Academic assessments are completed to determine your strengths and weaknesses, and then a plan is developed to help you reach your goals. Any academic weaknesses can be worked on by in-person, tutoring, or by working independently on our computer tutoring programs. Finally, we will assist you with school applications and the financial aid process. We will also help you make contacts with other agencies providing services to veterans.
For more information we can be reached at the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- How long should I plan on being in VUB before I am ready to go on to a postsecondary school?
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The answer to this question depends on several factors, including current levels of preparedness, scores on assessments and your internal drive to succeed. Some veterans may only require a meeting or two with an academic specialist before they prepare to enter post-secondary education, while others may need more academic tutoring/coaching before enrolling. Ultimately it is up to each veteran to decide when he/she is ready to enroll in the school of his/her choice.
For more information we can be reached at the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- Can VUB help me find a job?
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No, but we can connect you with resources and aid in career counseling.
For more information we can be reached at the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- I'm already in college or a technology center - am I still eligible to participate in VUB?
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Maybe. Our services are focused on getting participants ready to enter school, so they may not be appropriate for those already enrolled. Some schools, including Redlands, have other TRIO programs that specifically serve students already enrolled. Our program does provide services to individuals who have college credit but are not currently enrolled.
For more information we can be reached at the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- How is VUB funded?
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VUB is a part of a group of programs called TRIO programs. These programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and serve low-income and first-generation college students. VUB is just one such program funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information we can be reached at the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.
- I have a question not answered on this page. What should I do?
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Feel free to call us with any questions that you might have about VUB. For more information we can be reached at the RCC Veterans Upward Bound office at 405.422.1405 or email vub@redlandscc.edu.