How Funding Helped One MVC Veteran Complete the Mission

When Keambria Mass left the U.S. Air Force, she carried a background in health care administration and a clear commitment to continue serving veterans in a new capacity. What she needed was additional financial support to help her complete her education.

Mass was one of 19 Moreno Valley College students who received a 1st Generation Veteran Student Scholarship supported by Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) funds. Those students collectively received $9,500 in assistance.

Mass was part of a broader statewide initiative in which the Automobile Club of Southern California contributed $50,000 to FoundationCCC to support student veterans at 11 California community colleges. The funding helps bridge personal financial gaps so students can remain focused on completing their education.

“This funding helped cover essential supplies and additional expenses like mandatory 
school fees that are not fully covered by my VA benefits,” said Mass. “I am truly grateful for the generosity of donors who support student veterans like myself. Your kindness and support mean the world to us.”

Mass completed two degrees at MVC in December 2025, earning an Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Studies and an Associate of Science in Math and Science. While completing her studies, she served as a VA work-study student at the college’s Veterans Resource Center, supporting fellow student veterans as they navigated campus services and resources.

Following graduation, Mass accepted a position with the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, where she is responsible for complex administrative patient care functions, including scheduling and coordinating services for veterans receiving care through the VA system.

The emergency assistance program is part of a statewide effort led by FoundationCCC and its partners to address financial challenges affecting veteran students, particularly during periods when enrollment gaps may disrupt or delay benefit disbursements.

Greg Backley, president and CEO of the Automobile Club of Southern California, said the partnership reflects both personal experience and a commitment to expanding access for student veterans.

“Supporting student veterans is not just an investment in education; it is an investment in people who have already served our country and are now building new futures,” Backley said. “I wanted to give back to community colleges and especially to veterans.”

The initiative aligns with the California Community Colleges Vision 2030 strategic framework, which emphasizes expanded support services for veteran students, including recognition of military training for academic credit and increased access to mentoring and wellness resources.