CANTON -- Some former U.S. Armed Forces personnel who plan to attend SUNY Canton are now eligible for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP).

"We very recently received good news that SUNY Canton was among the colleges eligible to enroll veterans seeking VRAP benefits," said Interim President Carli C. Schiffner. "The program must lead toward a high-demand occupation, making SUNY Canton the ideal choice for veterans in our area."

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.

"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."

Massaro serves both SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam as the primary point of contact for active military students, veterans and their families. He is one of the people whose job serves the two colleges. "Being both an alumnus of SUNY Canton and veteran, I see this as a tremendous opportunity for unemployed former military looking to reenter the workforce."

Veterans eligible for VRAP must apply before Sept. 30. More info is available from Massaro at SUNY Canton, 386-7073, or email massarop@canton.edu.

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 2012 Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs.