Building Pathways: How Technology Supports Credit for Veterans’ Experience

California’s community colleges are expanding opportunities for military personnel to turn their military experience into college credit—helping them save time, reduce costs, and transition more smoothly into civilian careers.

Through the new Joint Services Transcript (JST) opt-in added to CCCApply’s standard for credit application, veteran and active military personnel can have their military training evaluated for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)—a key priority in the Vision 2030 framework and a requirement under SB 1071, which directs the community college system to maintain consistent policies for evaluating military credit. Since this new feature was added in August 2025, almost 10,000 veteran and active military personnel have opted into this automated process.

To support this work, the California Community Colleges Technology Center is helping streamline the way colleges evaluate and record JST credit. By developing shared tools and data connections that make CPL information easier to access and apply, the Technology Center is helping ensure that every college can implement consistent, student-centered practices for recognizing prior learning.

“This is a great example of how technology can help align systemwide policy with local implementation in support of our veteran and active military personnel,” said Jane Linder,  Statewide Programs Director, Student Success Suite. “By supporting consistent use of the Joint Services Transcript, we’re making Credit for Prior Learning more accessible and equitable for our valued military service members across California.”

This work builds on the system’s broader CPL goals: by 2030, to expand opportunities for at least 250,000 Californians, including 30,000 veterans. For those who have served, that means getting the credit they deserve—and moving one step closer to completing their educational and career goals.