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Make the Most of Tuition Assistance and MyCAA

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Education is a powerful tool that can significantly impact both your military career and your life after service. For military personnel and their families, taking full advantage of the educational benefits available is essential. Two of the most valuable resources are Tuition Assistance (TA) and the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program. These programs are designed to support the educational and career goals of service members and their spouses, providing financial assistance that can open doors to new opportunities, enhance skills, and lay the groundwork for a successful future.

Understanding Tuition Assistance (TA)

Tuition Assistance is a benefit provided by the Department of Defense (DoD) to active-duty service members, including those in the National Guard and Reserve components. This program covers tuition costs for courses taken at accredited institutions, with a cap of $250 per semester hour and an annual limit of $4,500. TA can be used for a wide range of educational pursuits, including associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as technical certifications.

Benefits During Military Service

TA is an invaluable resource for service members looking to advance their military careers. By pursuing higher education while still on active duty, service members can gain knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to their roles within the military. Whether it’s obtaining a degree in management, cybersecurity, or logistics, the education funded by TA can lead to promotions, greater responsibility, and enhanced job performance.

Moreover, many military occupational specialties (MOS) require or highly recommend certain levels of education. By using TA to pursue these educational goals, service members can meet the prerequisites for desired assignments or career advancements without incurring personal debt. This not only improves their current military standing but also sets the stage for long-term career development.

Benefits After Military Service

The benefits of TA extend far beyond military service. The education and qualifications gained through TA can be a significant asset when transitioning to civilian life. Veterans with degrees or certifications are often more competitive in the job market, and the skills acquired during their studies can be directly applied to civilian careers. Additionally, the ability to complete a degree without accumulating student debt is a significant financial advantage, allowing veterans to start their post-military careers on solid financial footing.

Employers highly value the combination of military experience and formal education, viewing it as an indicator of discipline, leadership, and expertise. Whether aiming for a corporate job, starting a business, or pursuing further education, the foundation built through TA-funded education can be a critical factor in post-military success.

Understanding MyCAA

The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) is a DoD program that provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses. MyCAA is designed to help spouses of active-duty service members, including those in the National Guard and Reserve, pursue licenses, certifications, or associate degrees that lead to portable careers. The program focuses on career fields that are in high demand and offer growth opportunities, such as healthcare, information technology, education, and skilled trades. MyCAA is open to spouses of active-duty service members in pay grades E1-E6, W1-W2, and O1-O3.

Benefits for Military Spouses

Military spouses often face significant challenges in maintaining consistent careers due to frequent relocations and the demands of military life. MyCAA helps alleviate these challenges by offering financial support to pursue education and training in fields that are portable and in demand across various locations. This allows spouses to build careers that can move with them, providing a sense of stability and continuity regardless of where their service member is stationed.

For example, a military spouse might use MyCAA to obtain a certification in medical billing and coding, which is a highly portable and in-demand career. Alternatively, they might pursue a teaching credential or an IT certification, both of which offer flexibility and a wide range of employment opportunities. By investing in their own education through MyCAA, military spouses can enhance their employability and contribute to their family’s financial stability, even in the face of the uncertainties of military life.

Long-Term Career Growth

The benefits of MyCAA extend beyond the immediate financial assistance it provides. The program helps military spouses build a strong foundation for long-term career growth by enabling them to gain education and certifications. This not only improves their employability in the short term but also positions them for career advancement and higher earning potential.

Furthermore, the education and skills gained through MyCAA can be a stepping stone to further education or certifications, leading to even more excellent career opportunities. For example, a spouse who uses MyCAA to earn a certification as a paralegal may later decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in legal studies or even go to law school. The initial investment made possible by MyCAA can thus lead to a lifetime of career growth and professional development.

Maximizing the Benefits of TA and MyCAA

To make the most of Tuition Assistance and MyCAA, it’s important to plan strategically. Service members should consider how their educational goals align with their military career path and future aspirations. By selecting degree programs or certifications that complement their military duties or prepare them for post-military careers, they can maximize the impact of their education.

Similarly, military spouses should consider how MyCAA can help them achieve long-term career stability and growth. Researching high-demand, portable careers and selecting programs that fit their skills and interests can help ensure that the education funded by MyCAA leads to meaningful employment opportunities.

Tuition Assistance and MyCAA are powerful tools that can significantly enhance the educational and career opportunities of military families. By leveraging these programs, service members and their spouses can build a brighter future both during and after military service.

Ready for College: Scholarships for Military Families

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High school years fly by, and for families facing the added pressure of college applications, the rising costs of education can be daunting. Although military families may benefit from transferred GI Bill benefits, there’s often still a need to find additional funding sources to cover college expenses. Scholarships can be a valuable resource in this regard.

Military children face unique challenges due to frequent relocations and educational disruptions. Thankfully, several organizations offer scholarships for these students to help alleviate some of the financial burdens. Most of these scholarships have deadlines in the spring, so it’s important to start researching and preparing applications early. Many require basic information and essays, which can be a significant part of the application process. By starting now, families can ensure they meet all deadlines and increase their chances of securing additional financial support for college.

AMVETS (American Veterans) offers a variety of scholarships to support the educational aspirations of military family members and veterans. Their scholarship program includes awards for high school seniors, current college students, and veterans pursuing higher education. The AMVETS Scholarships aim to assist those who have demonstrated academic excellence, community involvement, and financial need. Available scholarships include the AMVETS National Scholarship, which provides funding for undergraduate studies, and the AMVETS Post Scholarship, which supports students at the local level. Additionally, AMVETS offers the Americanism Essay Contest Scholarship, encouraging students to reflect on patriotic themes. By providing these scholarships, AMVETS helps ease the financial challenges of pursuing higher education and recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of military families.

Fisher House Foundation – Scholarships of the 2025-2026 academic year open in December

The Fisher House Foundation offers multiple scholarships. The Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship is a college scholarship for children of service members who became seriously injured or died in the line of duty since 9/11. The Scholarships for Military Children is a program through the Defense Commissary Agency providing $2,000 for college expenses. These initiatives provide financial assistance to the children of military service members, aiming to support their pursuit of higher education. To qualify, applicants must be dependent children of active-duty, reserve, or retired military personnel, and they need to demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need. The scholarship application process typically includes submitting an essay, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. By offering these scholarships, the Fisher House Foundation helps ease the financial burden of college tuition for military families, recognizing their service and dedication with tangible support for their children’s educational aspirations.

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Scholarship Fund offers a variety of interest-free loans, and grants to children of military personnel. These awards are based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need.

The Pat Tillman Foundation offers prestigious scholarships through its Tillman Scholars Program, specifically designed to support the educational goals of military families and children. Established in honor of Pat Tillman, the foundation provides financial aid to veterans, active-duty service members, and their dependents who are pursuing higher education. The Tillman Scholars Program awards scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to service. Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of community involvement and a clear vision for their future impact. By offering these scholarships, the Pat Tillman Foundation honors the legacy of Pat Tillman and helps military families and children achieve their educational and career objectives, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to society.

Each service branch offers scholarships within their service. The Army Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to children of current or former U.S. Army service members, including active duty, veterans, and retired personnel. The scholarships support undergraduate education and are awarded based on academic performance and community service. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Program offers interest-free loans and scholarships to children of active duty, retired, or deceased members of the Navy or Marine Corps. The awards are based on financial need and academic merit. The Air Force Aid Society General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant provides need-based scholarships to children of active duty, retired, or deceased Air Force members. It is named after General Henry H. Arnold, the first Chief of the Air Corps. The  Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to children of active duty or veteran U.S. Marines, with a focus on those who have demonstrated financial need and academic achievement. The foundation also offers special scholarships for children of Marines who have been wounded or killed in action.

Veterans United offers a scholarship program dedicated to supporting the educational dreams of military families. The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship is specifically aimed at assisting the spouses, children, and surviving family members of veterans and active-duty service members. These scholarships are awarded based on a combination of academic achievement, community involvement, and the demonstration of financial need. Applicants are encouraged to share their personal stories, highlighting how their military family’s experience has shaped their educational and career aspirations.

There are numerous scholarships available specifically for military children, each designed to support their unique educational journeys. To find the best opportunities for your student, research scholarships that align with your specific situation by exploring the military scholarship database, where you can discover various scholarships tailored to meet the needs of military families.

Services Available for Transitioning Military Members to Move into the Civilian Workforce

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Transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce can be a challenging process. Fortunately, numerous programs and resources are available to help service members navigate this transition successfully. These services include tuition assistance for obtaining a college degree or certificate, attending the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), participating in Hiring Our Heroes programs like Career Forward, leveraging the SkillBridge program, and utilizing tools like Military OneSource’s resume builder. Each of these resources plays a crucial role in equipping service members with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in civilian careers.

Using Tuition Assistance for Education

One of the most valuable benefits available to service members is the GI Bill and the tuition assistance program. Tuition assistance programs provide financial support for active-duty military members to obtain college degrees or certificates in fields of interest. This education not only enhances professional qualifications but also opens doors to a broader range of career opportunities.

Service members can choose from a variety of educational institutions, including community colleges, universities, and technical schools. Programs of study can range from traditional academic degrees to vocational and technical certifications, allowing individuals to tailor their education to their career goals. By taking advantage of tuition assistance, service members can gain the academic credentials and specialized skills needed to compete effectively in the civilian job market.

The GI Bill is a comprehensive education benefit provided to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. It can cover tuition, fees, housing, and other educational costs at colleges, universities, trade schools, and other institutions of higher learning. Earning a degree or certification not only enhances knowledge and skills but also opens doors to improved job opportunities and career advancement, providing veterans and service members with the tools needed for a successful transition to civilian life. The service member can allocate portions of the GI bill to family members or utilize it completely on their own. If the active-duty member uses it, it must be used within 15 years of leaving active service. If family members will use it, assign a portion of the GI bill to the qualifying family members when the service member has at least six years of active-duty service and at least four years of service left.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a comprehensive resource designed to help service members transition smoothly into civilian life. TAP provides a wealth of information, tools, and training to prepare individuals for the civilian workforce. Participants can attend TAP sessions as frequently as needed, ensuring access to the latest resources and guidance throughout their transition.

TAP covers various topics, including resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, and financial planning. The program also offers workshops and seminars on various aspects of civilian employment, providing service members with practical knowledge and skills. By participating in TAP, transitioning service members can build a solid foundation for their civilian careers and increase their chances of success in the job market.

Hiring Our Heroes: Career Forward

Hiring Our Heroes’ Career Forward program is an excellent initiative designed to bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment. This program offers transitioning service members the opportunity to build knowledge and skills through Google Career Certificates. These certificates cover in-demand fields such as IT support, data analytics, project management, and UX design.

Career Forward provides flexible, online training that can be completed at the individual’s own pace. This allows service members to gain valuable industry-recognized credentials while still fulfilling their military duties. By participating in Career Forward, transitioning service members can enhance their employability and increase their chances of securing well-paying jobs in high-demand industries.

For more information about Career Forward, visit Hiring Our Heroes’ Career Forward.

SkillBridge Program

The SkillBridge program is a unique initiative that allows service members to intern at a desired job location while still on active duty. This program provides an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build professional networks in a chosen field. By participating in SkillBridge, service members can explore potential career paths, develop relevant skills, and increase their chances of securing employment after their military service ends.

SkillBridge internships can lead directly to job offers, providing a seamless transition from military service to civilian employment. The program covers a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, logistics, and more, ensuring that service members can find opportunities that align with their career goals.

For more information about SkillBridge, visit the SkillBridge website.

Resume Workshops and Military OneSource’s Resume Builder

Creating a strong resume is a critical step in the job search process. Transitioning service members can benefit from attending resume workshops, which offer expert guidance on how to craft a compelling resume that highlights military experience and skills in a way that appeals to civilian employers. These workshops provide practical tips on formatting, content, and customization to ensure that resumes stand out in the competitive job market.

In addition to workshops, Military OneSource offers a powerful resume-building tool through the MySECO platform. This tool allows service members to create professional resumes tailored to their career objectives. The resume builder provides templates, prompts, and examples to help users effectively translate their military experience into civilian terms. By utilizing this tool, service members can create polished, impactful resumes that showcase their qualifications and increase their chances of landing job interviews.

For more information and to use the resume builder, visit Military OneSource’s Resume Builder.

Transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce is a significant life change, but the right resources and support can lead to fulfilling and successful careers. Service members can confidently navigate this transition by taking advantage of tuition assistance, participating in TAP, engaging with programs like Career Forward, leveraging SkillBridge internships, and using tools like Military OneSource’s resume builder. These programs and resources provide the education, training, and support needed to thrive in the civilian job market and achieve long-term professional success.

Virginia House and Senate Reinstates Military Tuition Program

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In a rare unanimous agreement, the Virginia House of Delegates and state Senate have reinstated the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, which offers free college tuition at state schools for families of military veterans who were killed or seriously disabled while on active duty. The vital initiative aims to support the families of these military heroes in accessing higher education. This reinstatement not only honors the commitment to those who have served but also reinforces the crucial role of education. Senate Bill 6011 underscores the importance of continuing promised benefits and investing in the future of our military community.

Details of Senate Bill 6011

Senate Bill 6011, as detailed in the Virginia Legislative Information System, outlines the key provisions of the reinstated Program. The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) is a vital initiative designed to provide educational benefits to the dependents and survivors of military service members. This program reflects Virginia’s commitment to supporting military families by offering financial assistance and access to higher education. Below, we highlight the key eligibility criteria and provisions of the VMSDEP.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the VMSDEP, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, which are as follows:

  1. Residency: The applicant must be a Virginia resident. This includes dependents and survivors who have established residency in Virginia.
  2. Military Service Connection:
    • The service member must be a veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
    • The veteran must have a service-connected disability rating of 90% or higher, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or the veteran must have died as a result of military service or a service-connected condition.
    • Alternatively, the service member may have been declared missing in action, a prisoner of war, or killed in action.
  3. Relationship to the Service Member:
    • The applicant must be the spouse, surviving spouse, or a child of the eligible service member. Children must be between the ages of 16 and 29 at the time of application.
  4. Academic Requirements:
    • Applicants must be accepted to or currently enrolled in a public institution of higher education in Virginia. This includes state-supported colleges, universities, and community colleges.

Provisions of the Program

The VMSDEP offers several key benefits to eligible participants, aimed at reducing the financial burden of higher education:

  1. Tuition and Fees:
    • The program covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at Virginia’s public colleges and universities. This includes undergraduate and graduate programs, ensuring that dependents and survivors can pursue higher education without the barrier of tuition costs.
  2. Stipend for Educational Expenses:
    • In addition to covering tuition and fees, the VMSDEP provides a stipend to help with other educational expenses. This stipend can be used for textbooks, supplies, room and board, and other related costs. The exact amount of the stipend is determined annually based on available funding and the number of eligible participants.
  3. Duration of Benefits:
    • Benefits under the VMSDEP are available for up to four years of undergraduate study. This provision ensures that dependents and survivors have adequate support to complete their degree programs.
  4. Flexibility and Support:
    • The program is designed to offer flexibility, allowing eligible participants to attend any public institution of higher education in Virginia. This includes the ability to transfer between institutions if needed, ensuring that students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and circumstances.

Application Process

To apply for the VMSDEP, eligible individuals must complete the following steps:

  1. Application Submission: Submit an application through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS). The application process includes providing documentation of the service member’s military service, disability rating, or cause of death, as well as proof of residency and relationship to the service member.
  2. Verification and Approval: The DVS reviews the application and verifies eligibility. This includes confirming the service member’s status and the applicant’s residency and academic enrollment.
  3. Annual Renewal: Eligible participants must reapply annually to continue receiving benefits. This ensures that the program remains up-to-date with the applicant’s academic progress and continued eligibility.

The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program is a cornerstone of the state’s commitment to supporting military families. By providing comprehensive educational benefits, the VMSDEP ensures that the dependents and survivors of service members can access the higher education opportunities they deserve. This program alleviates financial burdens and honors the sacrifices made by military families, helping them achieve their academic and professional aspirations. For more detailed information and to apply, interested individuals should visit the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website.

600 Students to Start Pilot Program for the United States Naval Community College

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The first students have started at the newly established United States Navy Community College (USNCC). The new college is intended to serve three services, the Navy, Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard. Each service selected students for the January 2021 pilot program with input from their chain of command. Higher education can encourage service members to enlist or continue their service so this new program is a major incentive.

“We are very excited to make this announcement,” said Dr. Randi Cosentino, president of the USNCC. “We are working with top colleges and universities to bring to the members of our maritime service community programs that are going to be of high value to them and help them achieve their educational goals.”

Northern Virginia Community College, the University of Arizona, the University of Maryland Global Campus, Alexandria Technical and Community College, and the State University System of New York (SUNY Online), are part of the pilot program scheduled for January through June of 2021. The schools were notified in November of their selection to support the USNCC pilot program. “Now that we’ve identified our collaborating schools, we can move forward with our program to ensure we offer the best education to our service members and benefit all those involved,” Cosentino said. “The pilot will allow us to collect important data that will inform the development of the USNCC. Working in consortium with leading colleges will help us explore outcomes around the design of the program, the processes involved, working relationships and overall impact.

The USNCC is the result of a study that sought to identify opportunities to help prepare enlisted service members and support them throughout their career. Naval leadership directed programs that would provide access to naval-relevant education opportunities to produce better warfighters, improve operational readiness and to support lifelong learning. Areas of study during the pilot program will include the nuclear field, cyber security, data analytics, English, math, and naval ethics. 

“It is imperative we have a more educated enlisted force, grounded in the understanding of current events, allowing them to add context to the actions they may be ordered to do,” said Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite. “This will provide a critical advantage in any scenario, but specifically to the understanding of how they fit into our overall strategic goals and objectives.”

“We have so much to be proud of throughout our military history and anything we can do to draw more attention to that through education has my enthusiastic support. There are many lessons there to be learned, and I have no doubt a better understanding of our origins will only contribute to the future successes of our Maritime services in any situation.”

“We are in an era of great power competition,” said Braithwaite. “Any advantage we can achieve over an adversary will increase our warfighting prowess. Innovating solutions through improvement of critical thinking skills will only serve to give our leaders more flexibility in the effective and efficient deployment of our naval forces.”

After the initial program January through June 2021 will have participants taking courses for college credit. The second phase of the program is currently scheduled for Fall 2022. This second phase will expand the study areas of the first phase and include select associate degree programs for 5,000 students. Being in the Fall 2023 and ongoing after that, the USNCC will expend enrollment for multiple degree programs and continue pursuing accreditation.

The Scholarships for Military Children Program is Accepting Applications for the 2021/22 Academic Year

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By Marguerite Cleveland

Megan Stith is one of the hundreds of scholarship winners who is off to college in part due to the $2,000 grant awarded to her by the Scholarships for Military Children Program. You can watch her story on here. The Fisher House Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2021/22 academic year through Feb. 17, 2021.

The program is a partnership with the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) and the Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit organization which supports military and veteran families. The foundation administers the program. Celebrating its 21st year, the program has awarded more than $20.1 million to 11,814 students from an applicant pool of nearly 105,000.

The program is funded by the DeCA’s business and manufacturing partners. The donations go to the Fisher House Foundation which receives each as a “restricted donation”, meaning it can only by given out as a scholarship grant. Every dollar received goes to a worthy student and the Fisher House Foundation matches all donations. In addition, the Fisher House donates its services for the cost of administration and the scholarship management contract.

“Our commissaries are honored to be a part of a program that provides the children of military service members with such a valuable financial boost to their higher education dreams,” said Marine Corps Sgt.Maj. Michael R. Saucedo, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director. “We at the Defense Commissary Agency extend our thanks to the Fisher House Foundation as well as our industry partner donors and others that make these scholarships possible.”

For the 2021-22 scholarship year, the Fisher House Foundation will grant $2,000 scholarships to 500 deserving students. The selection process will begin immediately after the Feb. 17, 2021 deadline. To begin the process, determine your eligibility for the program. It is verified through the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database. The applicant as well as their sponsor must be enrolled in DEERS and have a valid military dependent ID card. Students must be attending or planning to attend an accredited college or university, full time in the fall of 2021. Students who will receive a full scholarship for college or accepted to a service academy are not eligible for this program.

In order to apply an applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale for high school and a minimum GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.o scale for students enrolled in college. Applicants will write a 500 word or less essay that is no longer than two pages. Visit the Scholarships for Military Children website for the application and the subject of the essay. All rules and requirements as well as frequently asked questions are available on the website.

The Fisher House website recently added a custom scholarship search engine to their website. It is tailored to military families and is free and easy to use. By filling out an online questionnaire you will receive a list of scholarships that you are eligible for. Visit “Scholarships for Service.”

“While a ceremony to congratulate and present each recipient with a certificate was not held at commissaries for scholarship year 2019-2020 due to COVID 19, that did not in any way diminish the accomplishment of each recipient selected to receive this honor,” said Marye Dobson, DeCA’s scholarships program liaison. “At this time, no decision has been made on in-store ceremonies for the upcoming program.” 

25+ Ways to Break the Virtual School Rut with Online Trips You Can Take for Free

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After months of being in quarantine or social distancing mode, it is fair to say that most families want to just get out to go somewhere.  The country is still practicing social distancing and mask wearing and now the majority of the country is in virtual schooling mode. Parents and caregivers across the country have become teachers to varying degrees. As a student, the best part of the school year was field trip day! Is there a way to continue those much-anticipated school activity of field trips for learning, and for a break in the routine? Virtual field trips are now on offer as an option to “get out and explore!”.

There are many free options for virtual exploration from international museums to parks across the United States. This is not an exhaustive list, it provides a starting point for the opportunities to explore the world via the world-wide web.

So get dressed, pack a picnic lunch, and take a field trip in your living room!

National Parks

While a road trip may not be doable for all, you can still visit the National Parks virtually both on the web and through your mobile phone. The National Park Service has videos, web cams and additional learning resources for each of the parks across the United States. Here are a few favorites.

Hawai’i: Thanks to Google Arts and Culture, you can head out over a Volcano in Hawai’i and learn about lava flows while “walking through a lava tube” at Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park.  Interactive portions with full audio make it feel like you are there. The National Park Service (NPS) has a combination of 15 thermal and static webcams. Discuss geological features of the park,  learn about the volcanoes that make up the park including the historical eruptions and the lava that builds the islands. Free downloadable curriculum plans are available from kindergarten through eighth grade and review the history and science behind volcanoes, natural rock formations and the night sky.

Wyoming: At Yellowstone National Park, you can watch the live stream of the Old Faithful Geyser erupt. Inclusive of prediction times for eruption from April through November. Explore more of the wildlife and views of the park with their 9 static webcams. Worksheets provided by NPS provide learning if desired, as well as recorded distance learning videos.

Florida: The virtual tour of Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park offer the ability to swim a shipwreck and learn about the coral reef protection around Fort Jackson through Google Arts and Culture. There are interactive portions with additional areas of text to read.

Google Earth provides the ability to “walk” through the Everglades National Park without the humidity. Static webcams  provide views of the wildlife on the trail and the NPS made video series discusses the wildlife and nature preserve around the park.

Montana: Explore Glacier National Park through Google Earth or with the 13 static webcams through the National Park Service website. In addition to the images and webcams, NPS provides grade-specific lesson plans as a free resource.

If there is a National Park local to you, check their website for hours and reservation times. There are new virtual experiences added to the website along with free educational resources as well as the individual park shops to purchase under the “Support” tab for each park to financially support the National Parks from home.

Additional Resources for National Parks Virtual Field Trips

Check out the local library for National Geographic Kids National Parks USA as an adjunct resource for elementary and middle aged children. It provides tidbit information and pictures about the national parks across the United States inclusive of maps and photos.

Military families can download Park Passport for free thanks to Blue Star Families. The app lists all the National Parks. Additionally, it has virtual field trips to many more parks, along with activities including earning “virtual badges.” More virtual visits have been added over the last several months and the National Park Trust plans to continue to add more opportunities. 

Museums

New York: The American Museum of Natural History has broken up virtual field trips by age group, and each category has corresponding worksheets and videos. If you want to explore the museum, walk-through the museum via this Google Arts and Culture view or get exhibit information and close-ups here.  The museum has developed a free app for download with even more highlights and quizzes.

The Lourve: Now is the time to visit Paris for the low cost of $0! No worries about the long flight with kids – with one click you can explore the Lourve in Paris. Virtual tours of the Egyptian Antiquities and History of the Lourve are interactive, allowing viewers to “walk” through and around the exhibits.

Washington D.C.: The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. by way of Google offers a “walk-through” of the galleries. The two online exhibits about Fashioning a Nation and Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting provide up close views of the artwork along with information. In addition, there are over 40,000 pieces available to look at through both regular screen and augmented reality.  The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History offers a walk-through of the entire museum for exploration.

National Museum of the Marine Corps: Learn about World War II through artwork courtesy of this exhibit from retired Colonel Charles H. Waterhouse. It includes photographs, artwork and history behind each piece.  You can also explore the museum virtually with full, panoramic views here. Don’t forget to look up!

Check out Google Arts and Culture for their daily picks of museum highlights. Want to explore the Smithsonian Air and Space museum with a penguin? You can! Online exhibits from museums around the world like the Museum of Natural Science in Brussels or the Natural History Museum in the United Kingdom are available and more are added. Take a trip around the world all while wearing your pajamas!

Zoos

There are numerous animal cams you can enjoy from home. Do you remember huddling around the computer to watch April the Giraffe, and watch her give birth to Azizi? Did you check the animal cam multiple times a day to watch the progress? There is something amazing about watching the animals at the Zoo. While Zoos around the world were closed, they turned to the internet to share the adventure of being a Zookeeper behind the scenes! While Zoos have opened in some capacity, you can still explore the virtual zoo offerings, and their weekly events on social media.

San Diego Zoo: Beyond live webcams of the platypus and Polar Bears, the San Diego Zoo has an entire website San Diego Kids dedicated to elementary education with resources of videos, crafts, animal worksheets, recipes and games. Want to learn to draw a Tiger or talk about conservation with your kids – this is the resource for you. The San Diego Zoo Kids You Tube channel  offers animal videos in addition to Kids Corner and craft videos. The San Diego Zoo You Tube channel offers even more animal videos from watching Pygmy Hippos learn to swim to Ring-Tailed Lemur health checks.

Cincinnati Zoo: Check out specific topical presentations and videos from the Cincinnati Zoo Facebook page. Check out their Facebook page for a schedule of live events like question and answers with zookeepers. While the Zoo is open to the public now, they have continued these events online.

Chester Zoo: Across the pond in England, the Chester Zoo put together virtual Zoo Days.  Each day showcases the zookeepers along with red pandas,  jaguars, kangaroos, otters, painted dogs, and Orangutans while they go about their normal day. While feeding the animals, the zookeepers share facts about their zoo and the animals in a close-up experience. They are continuing live events on their Facebook page, and post the schedule a few days ahead of time.

Aquariums

If you haven’t tuned into the Jelly Cam while doing quiet time, you should. The soothing music alone promotes a zen atmosphere, but just enjoying the blue background and fish is soothing. Aquariums continue to share the webcams and a few are offering additional resources and virtual course offerings!

Georgia Aquarium: The Georgia Aquarium offers webcams of the belugas, Jellyfish and piranhas just to name a few in addition to multiple tanks. Twice weekly on their social media pages, the education department at the aquarium offers videos and learning opportunities that are then uploaded here. There are listed by topic and can easily be added into science learning or just for fun. Each video has a corresponding study guide for download.

Sea World: SeaWorld has an entire website dedicated to education. While Busch Gardens and SeaWorld may not be local or feasible to visit at the moment, there are free curriculum packets for Kindergarten through 12th grade to discuss birds, sea life and ocean preservation. Corresponding videos are available on the Sea World Parks You Tube Channel. The focus of learning is on conservation, and the curriculum puts it into age appropriate terms.

Monterey Bay Aquarium: The Monterey staple is a world-renown aquarium and worth the visit. While the aquarium remains closed, they offer weekly live videos on their Facebook channel. An added bonus are the Grade specific online courses for preschool through high school . These courses were developed by the staff and are completely free. Each course includes videos, corresponding worksheets and resource links for additional learning. In most cases, these courses are offered in both English and Spanish. The curriculum has everything ready to go so you can dive right in!

The Aquarium of the Pacific: The Long Beach Aquarium has created the Aquarium Academy with live online courses for preschool through high school with topical videos. Animal webcams are open various hours with the Penguin cam being on 24 hours.  For the preschool and early elementary age children, the Pacific Pals show is an online version of their Puppet shows bringing the aquarium to the living room of everyone who watches.

NASA

If space is your jam, NASA has you covered. You can take a 4k tour of the moon or tour the International Space Station! Or even explore Mars courtesy of the Curiosity Rover. The Kids Zone on the NASA website provides games, activities and more space resources to explore!

National Geographic Weird But True

This television series can be found on Disney Plus so it isn’t free unless you already have the digital platform, but these topical episodes provide information, facts and field trips. Based off the “Weird But True” books by National Geographic, this series discusses the history and science behind various topics and includes a field trip to meet with experts on the topic each episode. There is an episode about training for space missions where they interview an astronaut and travel to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. One of the presenters goes to Colonial Williamsburg to learn about the jobs in the Colonial times. There is even an episode on the importance of bees. It is presented in a fun and captivating way that will entertain children up to the teen years. There are things that even the adults will learn!

2020 has been a strange year. Thankfully, museums, zoos, aquariums and the National Parks have figured out ways to bring their location to the world through technology! No un-air-conditioned bus ride needed!

Heather Walsh is a mom, Marine wife, Navy child, blogger, and lover of all things crafty and Disney. Professionally, she is a Physician Assistant and writer and has a passion for helping others to stay positive and supported. She has been writing since KidPix was on a floppy disk! She is one of three women who founded MilMomAdventures, sharing travel and lifestyle tips for the military family at www.milmomadventures.com . When she isn’t crafting with her kiddos, going on the next adventure, or writing for MilMomAdventures, she has contributed to NextGen MilSpouse, Daily Mom Military and Military Disney Tips while reheating her first cup of coffee for the tenth time.

3 Education Rights Your Military Family Needs to Know Now

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Education as we knew it no longer exists. In it’s place is a new normal: socially distant in-person learning, hybrid online/offline learning or (more commonly right now) 100% virtual learning from home.

School looks very different from when we were kids. Luckily there are laws and regulations that protect your child’s right to an equitable education.

Military Families Need to Use These Rights In Public Schools Now

Note: nothing presented in this article should be construed as legal advice; families should consult an attorney if they suspect that their child’s educational rights have been violated.

FERPA for Everyone

All students enrolled in public schools are protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This law works like HIPAA in healthcare.

Basically, it means that only very limited information about your child can be shared publicly. That usually means any “directory” information: name, address, phone number, place/date of birth and awards or honors.

Everything else, like grades or education plans, remains highly restricted. Only teachers and staff with a vested current interest in the student may access non-directory information. This means that a third grade teacher can’t poke around in a fourth grader’s cumulative records.

FERPA also means that you, as parents, have the right to review your child’s record and request corrections or add a letter that states your concerns with the information present. FERPA also allows parents to make photo copies of their child’s cumulative records. However, schools may charge a fee for these copies.

Why you need to know about it now:

You need to know about FERPA right now because we are in the age of digital everything. Grades are stored online, assignments are all online and even teaching is virtual.

The digital world means that you need to guard your child’s records even more carefully. It’s easy to attach the wrong info to an email!

Asking for a careful review of records is also crucial prior to a PCS. Make sure that everything is intact and correct before you leave the school. Ask to correct any errors that you notice right away.

Individualized Education Rights You Might Miss

No part of school is normal right now – and that goes double for children with IEPs! Luckily, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and state laws include special protections for parents navigating special education.

Basically, schools are duty bound to find, assess and support students with diagnosed or suspected learning differences per Child Find.

When kids are enrolled in schools, testing data determines whether a child is in need of an IEP or individualized education plan. The whole IEP is designed to meet your child exactly where they are with services and supports to fit their specific needs.

Parents must consent to initial and annual evaluations. Parents must also be part of the IEP team, collaborating in the development of the IEP, and providing written consent to the IEP.

Why you need to know it now:

With the pandemic school shut down, special education services look different. However, parental consent is still required before any changes in placement, supports or services is made to an IEP.

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has repeatedly stated that IDEA is not altered in any way and that states will not be able to seek waivers. A waiver would allow states to skirt testing timelines or make changes without parental involvement.

We all recognize that things won’t look the same for students with disabilities during distance learning. However, parents still should be involved in the process and be able to give fully informed consent.

Right now, parents should be reviewing any and all documents related to their child’s education plan and services from March to the present. You should be checking for changes to which you did not provide consent or missed assessment timelines. If you notice either of these things, it’s time to ask questions, possibly with the support of a professional education advocate or lawyer.

Free Access to Education is Important

One of the major tenants of IDEA is Free Appropriate to Public Education (FAPE). This little clause means that students with disabilities should have access to an equitable education, delivered at their instructional level and per their IEP.

FAPE is something that parents need to advocate for every single year.

Why you need to know it now:

Again, school doesn’t look like it did last year at this time. Services don’t look the same and aren’t going to be delivered in the normal setting.

Students with disabilities might not be able to access the technology required for equal access to the distance learning platform being used in their school. They may not be able to demonstrate skills or receive services virtually.

Each school needs to be aware of these possibilities and be prepared to make adjustments that ensure FAPE for each child with an IEP.

As a parent, you should be holding the school accountable for FAPE by checking that they are adapting technology, curriculum, assignments and services for our new educational reality.

Have you needed to advocate for your child during virtual learning? Sound off in the comments!

Virtual Camps Offer Families New Options During Pandemic Summer

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Every Thursday, my daughter goes to ballet. Except she doesn’t actually leave the house and has never met her teacher in person. Everything is 100% online, which is actually perfect for this summer.

Virtual Camps Offer Families New Option During Pandemic Summer

Virtual or online camps and lessons are one new option available to families in the US this summer. Across the country, sports and summer camps are largely cancelled for in-person. If “live” camps are happening, it is very likely that they are going forward under much different circumstances than last year.

The YMCA is one of the few major, nationwide- camp and child care providers that remained open this summer. While they have not seen a large spike in cases, all Y camps have been following strict social distancing and cleaning procedures.

In addition, the CDC released guidelines to help camps and summer child care centers limit the risk of exposure.

Despite the guidelines, many parents have opted to keep their children home from in-person camps or child care entirely. To help fill the void, families are turning to online classes, camps and even summer school.

Camps Pivot to Online Options Early

As quickly as mid- to late-May, many summer camps were shifting from in-person to online options.

In the DC area, major summer camp provider Baroody Camps shifted from their traditional model to a hybrid. They opted to offer limited, small group camps in person alongside online only options. The in-person camps are limited to less than 10 children from the same neighborhood.

Camps across the nation also made these adjustments in response to the pandemic. All camps are offered with streaming video along with other ways to engage.

Parade Magazine shared more than 45 options for virtual summer camps to keep kids busy this summer. Their list included online camps from the San Diego Zoo and SeriousFun Children’s Network as well as classes offered by individual makers or themed courses.

Virtual Camps Offer Exciting, Cheaper Opportunities for Kids

The influx online camping experiences has broadened horizons for children who are not co-located to the camp of their choice. For example, children can now “go” to camp in SoCal while living in Northern Virginia!

In addition, many of these online camps are free or very low cost when compared to the expense of in-person camping. According to data analyzed by Care.com, camps can be very pricey for families.

In summer 2018, families could expect to pay, on average:

  • Day Camp: $314/week
  • Sleep Away Camp: $768/week
  • Specialty Camps: $500-$1,000/week

For families that needed multiple weeks or months of camp-based child care in the summer, costs can rapidly soar into the thousands of dollars quickly. Virtual camps, in many cases, are significantly cheaper or even free this summer. Some online experiences, like private music lessons or tutoring, cost about the same as pre-pandemic.

Some Districts Offer Free, Inclusive Summer School

In May, many districts in Northern Virginia and across the country announced that they were offering free summer school for 100% of their students. Alexandria City Schools, for example, released a plan that automatically opted all students into the summer school program. Parents could choose to remove their child from the online-only experience, but everyone was included with no academic benchmarks to be met.

This Northern Virginia school district used the same platforms that students were familiar with from distance learning in the spring. Students may return to those online learning platforms should distance learning return in the fall.

Many districts around the country, including New York City, followed suit.

Parents Still Juggling Child Care & Work

While online camps offer some options to keep children entertained while parents work from home, many families are still juggling all the things.

Some online summer camps require heavy parent involvement or prep work. Many, like PBS Kids, provide tips and activity ideas alongside streaming videos and games.

Not all children are able to be occupied or remain attentive during online camp or classes. Younger children in particular have shorter attention spans, not always conducive to all-day, every day virtual engagement.

While online learning and camping experiences do provide some measure of relief for busy families, it’s not the same as in-person versions.

The key seems to be to find an online course or camp that aligns with your child’s age level and interests. Which is why every Thursday afternoon my basement turns into a ballet studio and my daughter shows her plies to Madame via Zoom.

Has your family tried virtual summer camps? Sound off about your experiences in the comments!

Should You Homeschool – Why Military Families are Choosing Homeschool Over Public

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By Marguerite Cleveland

     Military families face many challenges with their children enduring frequent school changes. They are either ahead or behind each new school. Many families are turning to homeschooling to provide more stability for their children. I turned to my friend, Mary (name changed to protect families privacy) who homeschool all five of her children. She currently has 3 college graduates who were all accepted to competitive schools and received scholarships, a junior and one in 8th grade. With over 20 years of homeschooling under her belt, she has a track record of success.

Why is homeschooling a great option for military families?

     Living at Ft. Irwin, the school on post was very academically behind the Catholic school we had attended at our last duty station. The “local” catholic school was an hour drive each way on a long, thin, road in the desert.  We still had other small children and felt a 2 hour drive was not something we wanted.  So for us, the start of homeschooling was because we wanted a faith-filled education but it wasn’t accessible.

     We realized our oldest had gaps and holes in her math and science education from changing schools 3 times between Kindergarten & 3rd grade. We found she could complete her entire day of school in 2 hours. This enabled us to travel all over CA, visit family, complete field trips, CA missions, Grand Canyon and see the giant redwoods. Real life became a bonus education.

     For the kids to have any time with their dad, we needed to be available whenever he was available.  This continued through 2011.  So when dad had block leave in October or February, the kids had school vacation.  When dad was gone, we did school through the summer and often on weekends. During this time, we also moved high schoolers in middle of fall and spring semesters.  We would have had to stay behind and miss out on time as a family.

Photo Credit: ©Rawpixel.com /Adobe Stock

     Since 2011, we haven’t lived in one place more than 20-30 mos. Homeschooling has made the moves and transitions smoother.  We started with an academic purpose, but continued because we became accustomed to the freedom of our own schedule.  Additionally, the kids had more time to participate in multiple extracurriculars such as sailing teams, swim teams, scouts, youth groups, etc.

When OCONUS stationed, what makes homeschooling so great?

    When stationed overseas, homeschoolers are able to participate in DODEA classes and sports.  We opted for sports.  Outside of the academics, we traveled to 15 countries in 20 months.  The kids were responsible for directing us to train platforms, airline gates, bus stations, etc.  I would make the itinerary and they would plan the transportation.  They also had the advantage of seeing so much history, culture:   They stood next to Caesar’s burial, walked through Mozart’s childhood home, stood 4 feet from Pope Francis and rode bikes to all the Sound of Music sights. I can’t type enough about the experience living overseas gave them.  All are capable of traveling the world.

What are the keys to success and how do you stay organized?

     Success is measured differently by each family. For us, we wanted our children to have a worldly view of life. We wanted them to know how to crunch numbers and write papers, as well as look people in the eye and speak to anyone of any age, lastly, but most importantly, we prayed they would be faith filled and good citizens.

     In order to accomplish our goals, we needed to be organized and we all needed to have good discipline. The discipline to get up on time (alarms) and do what is needed each day. If they didn’t finish their work due to their own laziness or disobedience, they did not participate in outside activities that day.  Anything not complete by Friday would earn them Saturday school.

     Our rule for curriculum has always been, “If it doesn’t work for mom, it’s not going to work for the child.”  We follow a schedule and a few rules.  We school 8am-1pm, sometimes less, sometimes more.  We have an annual goal for each child. Then we break it down into weekly goals. 

     We started our kids in 8th grade with online classes. They meet weekly or bi-weekly in an adobe classroom with a teacher and 15-18 other students. The teacher goes over the material, gives assignments and deadlines, and grades the work. They’ve had teachers who broke up the class into debate groups. The groups coordinate who is covering which portion, pass information through emails and conduct the debate in class.

     When it came to the upper levels, I did not try to teach subjects I was unfamiliar with. Online classes for some kids included Chemistry, Adv. Chemistry, Calculus, and Physics. Some places we’ve lived the kids took classes with other homeschoolers in a family’s home or a co-op type environment.  Our kids have also been dual enrolled in community college courses. This year, our son will take Chemistry from another homeschool mom who used to teach science at the local university.  Our daughter will take a computer apps class from the same teacher.

So, while we started because one child was missing math topics, we continued because of the freedom it gave our family.  I never thought I would homeschool. Then I never thought I would homeschool high school. But here we are, 21 years later with 5 more years to go.

     If you decide to homeschool your children make sure to visit the School Support Services or Liaison Officer on your installation. They can help you make sure you are in compliance with state laws, for example Washington State regulates home schooling. Also check your local MWR which has many programs for homeschoolers. At JBLM, there are sports programs, art classes, and a school center with a gym, computer room, art room and even a cooking space all available to homeschoolers.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com