Community and Service Career Fair | Hosted at Temple College
Temple College to Host 2026 Community and Career Fair Connecting Veterans and Dependents with Education, Employment and Community Resources
Community partnerships that create opportunities for veterans and their families across Central Texas
Trusted for generations, building for the future
TEMPLE, Texas (September 16, 2026) — The Temple College Veterans Excellence Center (VEC), in collaboration with the Texas Veterans Commission, Student Veterans of America (SVA) – Temple College Chapter, and Workforce of Central Texas, will host the 2026 Community and Career Fair.
Event Information:
2026 Community and Career Fair
September 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Temple College Main Building
2600 S 1st St., Temple, TX 76504
The event aims to connect students and community members with employers and organizations that offer educational opportunities, career resources, veteran and family assistance, and local services. Participating colleges and universities will provide information to help graduating students explore their future higher education options. At the same time, employers and workforce partners will present current job openings, career pathways, and resources to help attendees enter the workforce.
“Supporting our veterans means recognizing their tremendous contributions to our nation and the unique challenges they may face as they transition into new chapters of their lives,” said Dr. Christy Ponce, Temple College President. “This event brings the community together around a shared commitment to ensuring that veterans and military-affiliated students know that opportunity, support, and a network of people ready to help are within reach.”
Supporting Those Who Have Served
For many veterans, the transition from military service to higher education or the civilian workforce can be significant. Adjusting to a new culture, learning environment, schedule, and set of expectations can take time. Understanding educational benefits, navigating college processes, and identifying career opportunities can add another layer of complexity.
Military spouses and dependents may face equally complex circumstances. Some are first-time college students learning how to navigate higher education, while others balance academics with family responsibilities, employment, and the demands of military life, including periods when a spouse is deployed. Frequent changes in family circumstances can create additional challenges as students work toward their educational goals.
The 2026 Community and Career Fair is designed to address these challenges by connecting military-affiliated students, veterans, families, and community members with resources, answers, and relationships with organizations prepared to help.
Building a Community of Opportunity
The Community and Career Fair reflects Temple College’s broader Caring Campus initiatives by demonstrating that the College’s commitment extends beyond the classroom and into the communities it serves.
The event fosters meaningful connections, learning, career growth, and support through collaboration among the College, veterans groups, higher education institutions, employers, workforce partners, and community organizations.
Temple College is proud to work alongside the Texas Veterans Commission, Student Veterans of America – Temple College Chapter, Workforce of Central Texas, and participating community partners to strengthen the support network available to those who have served our nation.
Temple College Veterans Excellence Center: A Partner for Student Success
At the heart of Temple College’s commitment to military-affiliated students is the Veterans Excellence Center, which provides personalized guidance and assistance to active-duty service members, veterans, and military-affiliated family members as they pursue their educational goals.
The VEC currently serves more than 700 military-affiliated students who use VA Educational Benefits, Hazlewood, Tuition Assistance, and SpouseWorks. Each student brings a different background, set of circumstances, and educational goal, and the center provides support tailored to each individual's needs.
But the VEC's work extends beyond educational benefits.
When students face challenges that require additional assistance, the center connects them with campus and community resources, including academic support, career and employment assistance, financial resources, mental health and wellness services, veteran and family support organizations, and other community partners.
“Our goal is to ensure that our military-affiliated students know they do not have to face these challenges on their own,” said Basilia Flores, Coordinator of Veteran Services & Support at Temple College. “Whether a student needs assistance understanding educational benefits, identifying a career pathway, connecting with academic resources, or finding community support, we want them to know there is a starting point available to them.”
As a college trusted for generations and building for the future, Temple College remains committed to helping veterans, military-affiliated students, and their families turn their goals into educational achievement, career opportunities, and lifelong success.
For more information about the 2026 Community and Career Fair, contact the Temple College Veterans Excellence Center at 254-298-8311.