CANTON -- There is still time for former U.S. Armed Forces personnel who plan on attending SUNY Canton to apply for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP).

“The Department of Veterans Affairs reserves portions of this program for technical education,” noted Patrick S. Massaro, the Military and Veteran Student Service Coordinator. “SUNY Canton is the only college in the area to fit within the regulations for the retraining program.”

The program offers 12 months of financial assistance to veterans who are between 35 and 60 years of age and are unemployed. They also must have been honorably discharged, among other criteria.

Prospective students and transfers can apply for the spring 2013 semester at SUNY Canton up to the first day of classes on Jan. 21, 2013. “Students seeking VRAP benefits should apply as soon possible,” Massaro said. “This upcoming year [2013] will be the last full year for students to take advantage of this remarkable retraining program, due to the program’s discontinuation in March 2014.”

There are currently almost a dozen veterans at SUNY Canton who are enrolled in the program. The Department of Labor will assist veterans with job placement after they graduate.

SUNY Canton is among the top “Military Friendly Colleges and Universities” according to Military Advanced Education magazine, and was among the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools to be recognized as a 2012Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs.

For more information, contact Massaro at his SUNY Canton office, 386-7073, or email massarop@canton.edu.