Military Student Support at Augusta Technical College: Building Education, Career Pathways, and Community Connections
Transitioning from military service into higher education comes with unique challenges. Service members, veterans, and military families often face questions about which programs to choose, how to use VA benefits, and where to find a supportive campus community. Military student support at Augusta Technical College addresses these needs head-on through dedicated resources, affordable education, and career-focused opportunities.
On a recent episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight podcast, host Dr. Hira spoke with Kittie Clark, Military Services Coordinator and School Certifying Official at Augusta Technical College. With over a decade of experience in technical education and a passion for improving student services, Kittie shared how the college supports more than 700 military-affiliated students each semester.
From the Military Service Center to partnerships with Fort Gordon’s Army Cyber Center of Excellence, Augusta Technical College is committed to helping military students succeed academically, professionally, and personally.
A Leader in Military Student Support at Augusta Technical College
Kittie Clark brings over 12 years of experience in technical education to her role. Specializing in identifying inefficiencies and streamlining processes, she focuses on making higher education accessible and effective for students.
Her dedication to military student support at Augusta Technical College is rooted in personal connections—her grandfather served in the military, and her sister is currently on active duty. When a position opened in the Military Services department, she saw an opportunity to combine her professional skills with her passion for serving the military community.
“I knew I could help improve processes here, and I’ve always been drawn to supporting military students,” Kittie said. “This role gives me the chance to make a real difference.”
The Military Service Center: A Central Hub for Students
At the heart of military student support at Augusta Technical College is the Military Service Center. This space is more than an office—it’s a welcoming lounge where veterans, active duty members, spouses, and dependents can connect with one another and access vital resources.
The center is staffed by a knowledgeable team that assists with VA education benefits, Tuition Assistance (TA), and MyCAA. Students can also get referrals for local services, from healthcare to employment assistance.
The Military Service Center also hosts the college’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter, which fosters leadership, networking, and advocacy. Augusta Technical College sponsors SVA members to attend the national conference, giving them access to nationwide programs like veteran-focused career clinics and leadership training.
Academic Pathways with Career Impact
A key part of military student support at Augusta Technical College is offering programs that align with in-demand careers.
Two standout fields are cybersecurity and healthcare:
Cybersecurity: Through a partnership with Fort Gordon’s Army Cyber Center of Excellence, military students with prior cyber training can receive up to 13 transfer credits, accelerating their path to graduation. Courses are offered at a state-of-the-art Cyber Center in collaboration with a local university and Fort Gordon.
Healthcare: In partnership with Piedmont Hospital, Augusta Technical College offers hands-on healthcare training in a dedicated medical facility. This pathway is especially popular among military spouses and dependents seeking stable, rewarding careers.
These programs demonstrate how military student support at Augusta Technical College extends beyond academics—it’s about building direct pathways to high-demand, high-paying careers.
Expanding Credit for Prior Learning
One of Kittie’s top goals is improving credit for prior learning policies so that military experience is fully recognized.
She advocates for awarding academic credit for military training, certifications, and leadership experience. “It didn’t make sense to me that drill sergeants weren’t getting credit for speech courses,” she said. “My mission is to make sure military students get the credit they deserve.”
At the state level, the Technical College System of Georgia is working to expand prior learning credit pathways, and military student support at Augusta Technical College is at the forefront of that effort.
Streamlined Application and Enrollment Process
Applying to Augusta Technical College is straightforward. The process for military-affiliated students is the same as for all applicants:
Visit www.augustatech.edu and complete the online application.
Pay the $25 application fee.
Begin the advisement process.
Once admitted, students using VA benefits can contact the Military Service Center for certification. The college also offers a dedicated military email ([email protected]) and a military-focused webpage with detailed instructions, VA links, scholarship opportunities, and program agreements.
This clear communication is a cornerstone of military student support at Augusta Technical College—making the transition into education as seamless as possible.
Affordable Tuition and Transfer Opportunities
Affordability is another pillar of military student support at Augusta Technical College. At just $107 per credit hour, tuition is significantly lower than most four-year institutions. Because the cost is already so low, the college does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Students can also take advantage of articulation agreements with the University System of Georgia, ensuring that their core courses transfer smoothly if they choose to continue their education. This gives students the flexibility to start at Augusta Tech, benefit from affordable tuition, and then transition to a bachelor’s degree program with a clear academic pathway.
Future Plans for Military Student Support
Looking ahead, Kittie has plans to expand military student support at Augusta Technical College even further. She hopes to launch annual or semi-annual military-affiliated student fairs featuring employers, community service providers, and educational partners.
These events would connect students with career opportunities, internships, and support services—all in one place. They would also strengthen the sense of camaraderie that’s so important for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Advice for Prospective Military Students
Kittie’s advice for those considering Augusta Technical College is simple: do your homework. “Look at tuition rates, articulation agreements, and how your credits will transfer,” she said. “Even if your goal is to earn an associate degree, you should know your options for continuing your education later.”
Her message reinforces the idea that military student support at Augusta Technical College isn’t just about the present—it’s about building a foundation for lifelong learning and career growth.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Military Success
Augusta Technical College is proving that strong military student support can make all the difference in helping veterans, service members, and their families thrive in higher education. Through its Military Service Center, targeted academic programs, credit for prior learning initiatives, and affordable tuition, the college is creating real opportunities for military-affiliated students to succeed.
As Augusta Technical College continues to expand its partnerships and resources, it will remain a top choice for those seeking not only a degree but a community that understands and values the military experience.
If you’re transitioning to civilian life in the Augusta area—or anywhere near Fort Gordon—military student support at Augusta Technical College can be your pathway to success in education, career, and beyond.
