Location
Fort Collins Vet Center
702 West Drake Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Presenters
Contact Information
VA Education Benefit Support Workshop
Description
VA Education Benefit Support Workshop
Presented By: Aims Community College Veteran Services & Fort Collins Vet Center
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Fort Collins Vet Center, 702 W Drake Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Featured Speaker: Ross Atkinson Ph.D., VA School Certifying Official and Aims Veteran Services Program Manager
Dr. Ross Atkinson is a combat veteran and dedicated educator who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2009, serving as a communications specialist and deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His passion for education was sparked while taking online community college courses during his deployment. After transitioning to civilian life in 2012, he earned both a Master's degree in English and a Ph.D. in Education Sciences from Colorado State University (CSU). Today, Dr. Atkinson serves as a VA School Certifying Official and Program Manager for Veteran Services at Aims Community College. In this role, he draws on his own background to help military-connected students access and navigate VA benefits and their transition to civilian life.
In addition to his work at Aims Community College, Dr. Atkinson is an experienced instructor who has previously taught high school English, undergraduate education courses, and now teaches a graduate Action Research course for pre-service teachers at CSU. During his doctoral studies, he received a Dean's Fellowship to research the impact of writing workshops on veterans. Putting this research into practice, he founded the CSU Veterans Writing Workshop—a supportive space for military-affiliated individuals to process their experiences—and spearheaded the publication of Charlie Mike: An Anthology of Military Life, a compilation of participant stories. Although he no longer runs the workshop, his advocacy for veterans and his commitment to their educational journey remain a driving force in his career.
About the Workshop
Join Aims Veteran Services and the Fort Collins Vet Center for an informative session designed to help you navigate your VA Education benefits from the initial application all the way to graduation. This workshop offers a great opportunity to get answers to your specific questions, receive expert guidance, and find support in a welcoming, veteran-friendly environment.
Upcoming Dates And Times
Questions & Answers
- Who should attend this workshop?
This session is designed for veterans, active-duty service members, guard/reserve members, and military dependents who are looking to utilize their VA education benefits (such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Montgomery GI Bill, or VR&E). Whether you are just thinking about applying to college or are currently enrolled and trying to navigate graduation, this workshop is for you.
- Do I need to be an Aims Community College student to attend?
No. While the workshop is led by Dr. Ross Atkinson from Aims Community College, the information provided on navigating VA benefits and the application process is highly valuable for veterans looking to attend any institution. All local veterans and military-connected family members are welcome.
- Where is the workshop being held, and is there a cost?
The event is entirely free to attend. It will take place at the Fort Collins Vet Center, located at 702 W Drake Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526 on Wednesday, July 15, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
- What should I bring with me?
While not strictly required, it is helpful to bring a notebook or tablet for taking notes. If you have already started your VA education application or have specific paperwork/letters from the VA regarding your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), feel free to bring them along for reference during the Q&A portion!
