With the unexpected recent closing of ITT Technical Institute, two state agencies in Springfield have stepped in to assist affected Illinois veterans whose educational plans were disrupted just days before classes were scheduled to begin.
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)-Veterans Education and Training Section (State Approving Agency) took action immediately upon learning of the abrupt closure of the institution.
"Our number one priority is the welfare of our Illinois heroes and their families," Erica Jeffries, who directs IDVA, said. “When we received word of the closing of ITT Technical Institute, we contacted all veterans enrolled in that school to assist them to continue their education.”
Of 78 vets enrolled at ITT, 13 were on track to graduate last month.
Dan Wellman, who serves as IDVA’s Veterans education and training section administrator, took the initiative by contacting all enrolled student veterans in order to answer questions, offer information about continuing their education and assist in retrieving records.
"As fellow veterans, we encourage all veterans impacted to call us with any questions," Wellman said. “We’re standing by to assist.”
Additionally, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) is working to help all displaced students statewide — regardless of veteran or non-veteran status —who have been impacted by ITT Tech’s shutdown, assisting them in continuing their education though their respective local community colleges.
Student veterans can contact the IDVA at 800-437-9824 in Illinois; if out-of-state at 217-782-6641; or by TDD at 217-524-4645.
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