SBCSS News and Press Releases

Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project Extends Application Deadline

2009-03-24

SAN BERNARDINO - The deadline for applying to the Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project has been extended until April 17.

The Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project, offered in a partnership between the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the county's Department of Veterans Affairs, is accepting applications from veterans or family members of those veterans who are deceased to award a high school diploma for those who meet the qualifications.

Veterans of San Bernardino County who missed graduating from high school because of their military service in World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War or those Japanese American citizens who were interned in a relocation camp during World War II may be eligible to receive their high school diploma.

The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. on April 17, and there is no cost to apply. The only qualifications are that the individuals either served in the U.S. military during World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge or were interned in a Japanese American relocation camp during World War II. The individuals also must reside in San Bernardino County or if they are deceased, a surviving family member that applies on their behalf must reside in the county.

Those who successfully apply will receive a diploma at a ceremony in the spring. Applicants will be notified regarding the date, time and location of the ceremony.

Applications are available through the County Schools' office, located at 601 N. E St. in San Bernardino or can be downloaded off the County Schools' Web site at www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/vdp

Applications also can be requested by calling (909) 386-2412 or by sending an email to vdp@sbcss.k12.ca.us

The county Department of Veterans Affairs, located at 175 W. Fifth St. in San Bernardino, also has applications.

The California Education Code authorizes the granting of retroactive high school diplomas to eligible veterans, as well as those who were interned by federal order during World War II.

Military service must have been during the following periods: Dec. 7, 1941 through Dec. 31, 1946 for World War II; June 25, 1950 through Jan. 31, 1955 during the Korean War; or Feb. 28, 1961 through May 7, 1975 during the Vietnam War.

Japanese American citizens need to show proof of internment during the period of Dec. 7, 1941 through Dec. 31, 1946.

All applicants for the Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project must have been enrolled in high school prior to their military service or internment in a World War II relocation camp.

On Feb. 2, the County Board of Education passed a resolution in support of Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project.

For assistance with verification of military service and/or discharge papers, contact the county's Department of Veteran Affairs at (866) 476-8387 or (909) 387-5516 or visit the department's Web site at http://hss.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/VA/