Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

What the New GI Bill Means for Military Families

By

Brace yourselves. Changes are coming to the GI Bill as we know it.

President Donald Trump signed the Forever GI Bill into law in August 2017. With this new bill, changes are in the works, including transferring benefits, housing allowances and the deadline to access GI Bill funds.

What the New GI Bill Means for Military Families

Time Limit

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, beneficiaries had 15 years to use their earned education benefits. With the new GI Bill, there is no time limit to complete a degree, license or education program.

This is arguably the most important change to the bill since it extends the time that beneficiaries have to complete their education.

It allows for unexpected life events or changes along the way.

This is limited to veterans, troops and designated dependents who became eligible on or after January 1, 2013.

Housing Allowance

Under the current GI Bill, non-active duty students rate the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) for an E-5 with dependents based on the location of their school. Additionally, students receive a portion of the total allowance based on how many credits they are taking. In order to qualify, students must be enrolled at greater than half-time.

Starting Jan. 1, 2018, the housing allowance will be calculated using the reduced BAH schedule.

Previously, the GI Bill has been exempted from the yearly 1% BAH reduction started in 2015 and ending in 2020. Students using the GI Bill before January 1, 2018, will continue to receive their current housing allowance rates.

Additionally, the location used to calculate housing allowances will be tied to the location where students physically attend classes. This could impact students who attend a satellite campus in a location with a lower BAH rate. This change goes into effect on Aug. 1, 2018. Students enrolled before this date will follow the current rules.

Housing for members of the reserve will be prorated by quarter, semester or term starting on Aug. 1, 2018.

Expanded Access

Currently, eligibility for GI Bill benefits is calculated based on time in service or discharge due to service-related injury. Under the Forever GI Bill, all Purple Heart recipients will be rated at the 100% funding level or with 100% of their tuition and fees of in-state tuition paid for.

Additionally, certain members of the Reserve will be eligible for benefits under certain conditions. If Reserve troops deployed to support a combatant command or within their state in response to a natural disaster, they may now be able to access GI Bill benefits. This includes Reservists who deployed in these capacities after 2009.

Reservists who used the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) will now be able to access the GI Bill under certain circumstances. Students who qualified before Nov. 25, 2015, but whose benefits have expired may choose to have that time in service credited toward the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This change applies to coursework started after Aug. 1, 2018.

Previously, students could be considered eligible for 40% of total GI Bill benefits (40% of in-state public college tuition and fees paid for) based on time in service. This category has now been eliminated.

Instead, the 60% level has been expanded to include more veterans. The minimum benefits level is now set at 50%, meaning that up to 50% of tuition and fees at an in-state public college would be paid by the VA.

Overall, more veterans and designated beneficiaries will be able to access higher education or career training with increased funding possible.

Transferring Benefits

Veterans can designate a dependent to receive GI Bill benefits. In the past, if that person passed away, the benefits disappeared.

Now, veterans are able to select another eligible dependent should their original designee die. Dependents who have received benefits are also able to pass on the GI Bill to another designee. This is only able to happen after the veteran who earned the benefits has passed away.

This now allows GI Bill benefits to continue on beyond the veteran or original designee in the event of death. This could prevent these valuable benefits from going unused.

Extra Protection

If your college closes before you earn a degree, the GI Bill now offers protections. Time spent at a college that has closed can now be partially or fully reinstated.

Students can also potentially earn GI Bill time back for courses that were not approved or for courses in which no credit was earned.

This is retroactive to programs, courses and colleges that were discontinued after Aug. 1, 2015. The change takes effect 90 days after the bill was signed.

Programs and Licenses

Students may begin using their benefits at accredited area career and technical schools that provide post-secondary education and/or vocational skills. This allows students to pursue a career path outside of traditional college level education.

Veterans at the 100% benefits level, with at least 60 credit hours of work and who will be reaching the end of their benefits before they complete an eligible degree in science, math, engineering, medicine or certain teacher training programs can apply for an extension.

This is a one-time 9-month benefit bonus. It cannot be transferred or be used in conjunction with the Yellow Ribbon Program. There is a $30,000 cap. This change begins on Aug. 1, 2019.

Entitlement charges for professional licensing and certification exams will be prorated based on the actual amount charged for the test.

Additional Benefits

Spouses and dependents who qualify for the Fry Scholarship may now also access the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship as well. This opens up new funding possibilities to supplement the GI Bill at private colleges or out-of-state schools. Purple Heart recipients will also be qualified for Yellow Ribbon Scholarships. These changes take effect on Aug. 1, 2018.

Beginning on Aug. 1, 2022, active duty troops using the GI Bill will be able to access the Yellow Ribbon Program. This will expand their ability to complete coursework at a larger number of institutes of higher learning while still serving their country.

Students who were eligible under the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program now have 36 months of benefits instead of 45 months. This change applies to students who enroll after Aug. 1, 2018.

This same change increases the amount payable per month to $1,224 for full-time students, $967 for students enrolled at three-quarter time and $710 for half time enrollment. This increase is effective Oct. 1, 2018.

Will these changes to the GI Bill impact your family? Share your thoughts in the comments.

How to Know if Your College Is Military Friendly

By

Perhaps the greatest gift we can give ourselves and our children is an advanced education.

My oldest is finishing up her first college semester and it has been an eye-opening experience for both of us. Luckily, her chosen school is extremely military friendly. A tour of the campus included the opportunity to meet with a military veteran turned school administrator and ask the litany of questions we had compiled.

If you are a service member, veteran, military spouse or military family member looking to further your education, make sure you take advantage of the benefits that military affiliation can bring.

If enrolling at a military-friendly college is on your list of things to do, here are 6 things to look for when considering an university:

Is This College a Yellow Ribbon School?

Established by the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, the Yellow Ribbon Program can help veterans and children of active duty service members to offset the cost of college tuition. Typically, GI Bill benefits will pay for tuition and fees at public institutions, but are limited to a nationally capped amount for private institutions (currently, just under $22,000 per academic year).

Universities and colleges participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program enter into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for additional funds. A Yellow Ribbon school will contribute a specified amount of money toward tuition and fees, an amount then matched by the VA.

Not all private universities participate in the program, so if the cost of getting a degree, even with GI Bill benefits, seems out of reach consider looking at a Yellow Ribbon school to help offset the costs.

You can find more information about the Yellow Ribbon program and a list of participating colleges on the VA website.

Does This College Have a Student Veteran Affairs Office or a Veteran Student Organization?

A quick tip-off that a school is military friendly is the availability of staff and personnel dedicated to veteran and military students. It’s always nice to talk to someone who has been there done that.

Student Veteran Affairs staff members can be tremendous sources of information when you are trying to figure out the intricacies of the GI Bill and campus life.

Some colleges even offer veteran-only study halls and sponsor veteran and military-family oriented social events.

Does This College Allow for In-State Tuition Rates for Military Personnel and Families?

Surprisingly, at least for me, not all schools offer in-state tuition rates for military dependents. Most schools will offer in-state tuition for active duty dependents with a copy of the sponsor’s orders.

Thanks to a new law, passed just last year, in-state tuition is now guaranteed for all veterans and their dependents for the 3 years following separation from the military.

However, outside of that time frame, availability for in-state tuition depends on the institution.

Are There Plenty of Options for Housing within GI Bill Housing Allowance?

In addition to paying tuition and fees, the Post-9/11 GI Bill also allows the children of active-duty service members, veterans and military dependents to receive a housing allowance to help offset room and board expenses. Typically, that amount is the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for the ZIP code for your college or university.

Pro-tip: Make sure there are several options for housing within that range of pay. Military-friendly universities will sometimes also reserve a set number of on-campus housing options for military dependents and veterans, but you won’t know unless you ask.

Do They Offer Flexible Schedules?

For active-duty service members or working veterans and dependents, flexible scheduling options are a must. Many universities and colleges offer short-term course study or online class options.

Even some of the largest universities offer online courses, so don’t assume just because it isn’t local, it isn’t military friendly. Some also offer discounts to military service members and their dependents for online programs. Again, ask about a flexible schedule when meeting with university representatives.

Does This College Offer Credit for Military Experience?

For veterans and active duty service members, you can save a ton of time and expenses by using your on-the-job training as substitutes for some degree-required classes.

Many universities and colleges will evaluate your military training records and award you college credit for things you already know. You may earn credit for basic training.

There may be a small fee for transcript evaluation, but many military-friendly colleges will waive that fee for military-affiliated students.

As someone who only recently earned her bachelor’s degree, my hat is off to anyone who is willing to make that commitment.

No matter the university or college you chose, take the time to find out what opportunities and options they have for military students. The resources are out there, so take advantage of them.

Did you attend a military-friendly college? Tell us about your experience in the comments section.

Now Is the Right Time to Transfer Your GI Bill to Your Kids

By

A benefit for military service members is the GI Bill. While many take advantage of the great opportunity to go to college with this financial support, others choose to pass it on to their spouse or children.

This option wasn’t always available and might not remain so, which makes now a great time to decide if transferring your GI Bill is the right move for your family.

Now Is the Right Time to Transfer Your GI Bill to Your Kids

Talk to your spouse and children to see if transferring your GI Bill benefits to one or all of them is the right decision for your family. Don’t wait until politicians change, take away, or make receiving these benefits harder.

What is the GI Bill?

The GI Bill is a government program that helps service members meet the financial needs of continuing their education once they leave the military. It was initially only available to the service members who met certain qualifications. Over the years the rules and benefits have changed.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the latest form of the bill. It provides money for approved educational programs for up to 36 months of school for service members, which must be used within 15 years after leaving active duty.

In 2009, a law was passed to allow service members to transfer these benefits to their spouses, children or both.

Who is eligible?

Any service member that completed 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, that is on active duty, or that was honorably discharged or discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days is eligible.

What is covered?

Monetary funds are available to cover up to 36 months of educational courses for approved programs that include higher education, vocational training and now flight school for example. Other financial support may be provided to cover a monthly housing allowance, annual books and supplies and one-time rural benefits.

Am I eligible to transfer my GI Bill?

In order to transfer your GI Bill, service members must meet certain requirements. Anyone on active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted, who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and also meets these requirements may transfer benefits:

  • Has at least 6 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval and agrees to serve 4 additional years in the Armed Forces from the date of election.
  • Has at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval, is precluded by either standard policy (by service branch or DoD) or statute from committing to 4 additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute.
  • Transfer requests are submitted and approved while the member is in the Armed Forces.

Why transfer your GI Bill now?

If you, as the service member, do not have any intention of using the entire 36 months of educational benefits, you might want to consider transferring some or all of the benefit to family members. The government started this program as a way of helping service members transition out of the military as well as an incentive to join the military. You have earned these benefits, so don’t let them go unused.

Last year Congress discussed changing the GI Bill benefit to make it more difficult to transfer to family members. They talked about increasing the number of years the service member must commit to in order to transfer the benefit. They also discussed limiting the scope of the benefit.

No legislation on this has been brought up, but the possibility is there. Why leave it to chance if you don’t have to?

How do I transfer my GI Bill?

Active duty service members may designate, modify and revoke a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) request on the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) website.

After approval, there is one more form to turn in before a family member can use these benefits. Family members are required to apply to use the transferred benefits by submitting a VA Form 22-1990e with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Is there anything else I need to know about transferring the GI Bill to my spouse or children?

Family members enrolled in DEERS that are eligible for benefits at the time of transfer are able to use the benefits.

Spouses are able to use the benefits at the time of transfer, but children must wait until the service member has completed at least 10 years of service. The child or spouse can use it while their sponsor is actively serving or after they leave the military.

Military children cannot use the transferred GI Bill until they finish high school, or an equivalent, or turn 18 years old. The child is entitled to the monthly housing allowance even while their sponsor is on active duty, but the spouse is not. A spouse has 15 years to use the benefits once the service member separates from active duty, but the child does not have this restriction. They do however age out of eligibility at 26 years old.

Talk to your spouse and children to see if transferring your GI Bill benefits to one or all of them is the right decision for your family. Don’t wait until politicians change, take away, or make receiving these benefits harder.

Has your service member transferred his or her Post-9/11 GI Bill to you or your children?

 

5 Tips for Writing Your College Application Essay When You’re a Veteran

By

You’ve served in the Armed Forces and you’re ready for the next chapter of your life. For many veterans, the next stop after separating from military service is college. And why not? You earned your GI Bill, you might as well take advantage of this military benefit.

But attending your first-choice university may not be as simple as you think. The college application form may be lengthily and require the dreaded personal essay. This essay is an essential component of applying for colleges and can’t be overlooked or rushed through.

When you’re a veteran writing a college application essay you may be asking yourself

“should I talk about my military experience?”

For many veterans, you went to boot camp right after graduating from high school, so your past experiences are solely your military experiences.

Your deployments, specialized training and overseas assignments have shaped you as an individual and will influence your experience as a veteran turned college student. Here are 5 tips for writing your college application essay when you’re a veteran.

5 Tips for Writing Your College Application Essay When You're a Veteran

What questions do you have about writing your college application essay?

Talk Positively About Your Military Experiences

Anyone who has spent more than 5 minutes in the military can easily list their complaints, but what about the positive experiences? As a service member you were taught leadership skills, problem-solving techniques and focused discipline. In your college application essay, you may want to write about the projects that you were in charge of, the troops that you led and the maturity that you have gained through these experiences.

College admission board members are looking for college students who are mature leaders for their campuses. That’s a positive asset for veterans looking to attend college, so write about this advantage in your essay.

Discuss Your Personal Challenges

Everyone, and I mean everyone, has overcome a personal challenge. What was your personal challenge and how did you work through it?

As a veteran, you’ve done more and seen more in your 6 years in the Army than most people will in a lifetime. Your exposure to stressful circumstances and learning to work through them are all personal challenges that you can discuss in your college application essay.

Maybe you’re still working through a personal challenge. That’s OK too. Write about how attending this university and earning a specific degree will help you overcome your challenge.

Channel Your Personality

Don’t be afraid to be you in your college application essay. The college admission board members want to get a sense of you and your personality through this essay. It’s hard to shine in 300 words or less, so that’s why you need to focus on your unique personality strengths.

If you aren’t sure if your essay is highlighting your personality, let your spouse read it. He or she knows you better than anyone else. They can tell you if your essay is showing your polished personality or if it’s too generic.

Forget the Military Alphabet Soup

Once you start talking in military lingo, it’s hard to break the habit. But you need to remove any military jargon and acronyms from your college application essay. If you write TBS, FOB or OCONUS in your essay, the university staff member reading your essay will most likely be confused. Search your essay for military-speak and try to translate as much of it as possible into civilian talk.

Not sure if you removed all the military jargon? Ask a friend, who isn’t in the military, to read your essay. The military alphabet soup will jump out at him or her immediately.

Don’t Write or Revision Alone

Your college application essay is a vital component of your application. You shouldn’t write it the night before your application’s deadline and submit it without someone else reading it. Everyone makes typos. Spellcheck won’t catch every mistake, so ask for help.

Writing a college application essay isn’t easy for anyone. Even English majors struggle with finding the right words to express themselves and their aspirations.

The struggle is normal, but there are many resources to help veterans as they transition from active duty to college student. Take advantage of these resources and use them to help you write your best college application essay.

What questions do you have about writing a college application essay?

I Don’t Qualify for MyCAA, Now What?

By

Since graduating with my bachelor’s degree in 2008, I’ve been thinking about going to a graduate school. First, I wanted to work a bit to see what kind of education would be best for my career path. In addition, there were so many programs out there, I was hoping the right one would come my way eventually.

After getting married and adjusting my career journey a smidge, I started feeling like now is the right time to pursue that graduate degree I’ve been dreaming about for years. The hunger to learn and educate myself more began to affect me.

In my free time, I researched programs that would add to the knowledge I’m already gaining in my career and found the perfect one. I kept my application process a secret mostly because I was scared to be overly excited. I only focused on a program at one school. Then I started researching ways to pay for my graduate degree.

Can't Use MyCAA? Other College Tuition Resources

Are you a military spouses, like myself, that doesn’t qualify for MyCAA? Here are some other resources that may help you pay for college.

I came to this conclusion:

College is so gosh darn expensive.

Last August, I mentioned that military spouses have a wonderful program to utilize for higher education called MyCAA. MyCAA does have limitations though. Only military spouses of active duty service members (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force) at the following pay grades: E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2 can use MyCAA. There are additional factors that might place you out of obtaining the MyCAA program like your choice of study. It needs to be an approved course by your academic institution.

Related: Military Spouses Unaware of MyCAA Scholoarship Program

To my excitement and fear, I received my acceptance letter to grad school a few weeks after I applied. My spouse’s military status pushes me out of the MyCAA program, so I needed to figure out other options pronto.

For those military spouses that don’t qualify for MyCAA like myself, now what?

I began looking into other options to make sure I can pursue my dream degree. I hope my efforts could help you as you navigate through the financial aid process, especially if you can’t use MyCAA.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA should be one of your first stops as you start your educational journey. Don’t be intimidated at the lengthy process because it can open doors to grants and other applicable programs that would give you money for college.

Also, don’t be afraid of qualified student loans. They are the type of loans you want because they have extremely low interest rates and forgiving payback programs. My financial advisor calls it “good debt” and it can be deferred until you find a job. Here is a special link for military spouses and families to search through by the FAFSA folks.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The military members in our lives should consider all higher education opportunities, whether it be the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill Military or tuition assistance.

Out of the three, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is one that could be transferred to military dependents, including military spouses as long as certain qualifications are met.

In the same conversation with my financial advisor about funding my graduate degree, she mentioned that using the Post-9/11 GI Bill might be a good route for us. My husband is currently using tuition assistance to finish his bachelor’s degree and my graduate degree wouldn’t even need the whole contribution. There would still be funding there to supplement any additional education my husband would want after the military.

Plus, the transferability might go away for military spouses and children, so it would be beneficial to do a transfer now because it could always get transferred back to the service member.

School Scholarships and Grants

When you apply and submit your FAFSA, a majority of schools piggyback opportunities that are available to their applicants. If you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree, you can qualify for a Pell Grant, which doesn’t need to be paid back.

Military spouses should visit their on-post Education Center because counselors could share institutions that have special military-affiliated tuition pricing.

I know in Washington, D.C., certain classes that are held on base have lower pricing than the online program or off-base locations. They could also pass along location-based opportunities, you never know!

Scholarships and Grants from Military-Affiliated Organizations

There are so many wonderful opportunities from a number of military-affiliated organizations out there! One that comes to mind for all military spouses is National Military Family Association’s Spouse Scholarship program. Hurry though because the deadline is at the end of this month! It’s held annually, so if you miss it this time around you have another chance next year.

Research organizations that support your spouse’s branch for military spouse scholarships too. That’s a great place to start with military spouse directed opportunities.

What other resources besides MyCAA have you used to help plan for college?

Financial Aid Opportunities For Military Veterans Presented by ACLS Medical Training

By

In 2014 alone, the federal government spent an impressive $12.2 billion in veteran education benefits. And all of this money is being spent for a good reason as it is giving veterans the ability to return to school and utilize the benefits awarded to them after their service.

The financial aid opportunities available to military and veterans aren’t just for these specific individuals either. In fact, family members may also qualify for educational awards designed to lessen the financial burden of school and enable veterans and their families to attain the education they desire.

However, finding these scholarships can be difficult. And sometimes, determining whether or not you’re eligible can be equally complicated. But here at ACLS Medical Training, we’ve researched each scholarship, the requirements, and what you stand to gain so you don’t need to.

Below, you can find all this information and more to make finding and applying to relevant scholarships simpler than you may have thought possible.

All-Military Scholarships

While many scholarships are designed specifically for veterans who have served in specific segments of the military, there are also all-military scholarships designed for individuals and family members who are tied to any branch of the military.
The scholarships below are examples of all-military scholarships you just apply to:

AMVETS NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

The AMVETS National Scholarship is designed for veterans seeking full-time enrollment to attain their undergraduate, graduate, or certification/degree from an accredited technical or trade school. Those who qualify for the scholarship will receive $1,000 per year for 4 years.

  • Who’s Eligible:  Veterans who have exhausted other government education benefits are eligible for this scholarship
  • Award Amount: $1,000, annually
  • Deadline: Varies

AURELIO M. CACCOMO FAMILY FOUNDATION MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Another AMVETS scholarship, this grant honors Dr. Aurelio M. Caccomo, an immigrant who dedicated his expertise and service to the U.S. Army Reserves. There are two scholarships awarded each year for veterans of the National Guard and Army Reserves looking to acquire new skills to remain competitive in the job market.

  • Who’s Eligible:  Current active duty personnel or veterans of the Armed Forces who are enrolled part-time or full-time in a U.S. college or vocational training program.
  • Award Amount: $3,000
  • Deadline: April 15

VETERANS UNITED SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is made possible by the Veterans United Foundation (VUF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that awards up to three scholarships to eligible individuals. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, submit an essay telling their story and goals, community involvement, and other relevant information for consideration.

  • Who’s Eligible: Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reservists who are currently pursuing a post-secondary education. Family members of these individuals may also be eligible.
  • Award Amount: Up to $20,000
  • Deadline: October 16

AFCEA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

The AFCEA Educational Foundation offers merit-based scholarships for tuition, mandatory fees, and books. This scholarship, referred to as the Afghanistan and Iraq War Veterans Scholarship, is perfect for college Sophomores and Juniors seeking additional support as they finish their education.

  • Who’s Eligible: Second or third year students enrolled in post-secondary education who have served or are currently serving in any branch of the military.
  • Award Amount: $2,000 for books and tuition
  • Deadline: November 15, 2015

PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP

Having awarded over $300,000 in scholarships since 1986, Paralyzed Veterans of America allows members of the organization and family members to complete their schooling and reach their educational goals.

  • Who’s Eligible: Members or relatives of members of the Paralyzed Veterans of America are invited to apply. Recipient must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college to be eligible.
  • Award Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: June 17

Air Force Scholarships

As is the case with most military scholarships, many are intended for specific segments of the military (for instance, the air force).
If you or a member of your family served in the Air Force, you may be eligible for a number of scholarships. This includes the all-military scholarships above as well as the specific scholarships that follow here:

AIR FORCE ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS

With Air Force ROTC Scholarships, you can have most of your tuition and lab fees covered, an annual textbook allowance, and up to $500 to spend as a monthly stipend. Both full and partial scholarships are available (not to mention a variety of them), so it’s best to research which is most suitable for your financial needs.

  • Who’s Eligible: Eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship, but Air Force ROTC participants typical enroll in the program at the time of enlistment into the Air Force.
  • Award Amount: Up to $500, annually
  • Deadline: January 12

MICHAEL WILSON SCHOLARSHIP

Created in partnership with Brian Wilson, the Michael Wilson Scholarship is designed for Air Force ROTC cadets seeking a generous scholarship as they enter the final years of their college schooling. Two scholarships are awarded to cadets each year.

  • Who’s Eligible:  Current Air Force ROTC cadets in good standing, enrolled full-time as an incoming junior or senior; those enrolled in the Professional Air Force ROTC Officer Course program and attend Aerospace studies class and leadership lab every semester are eligible, if they meet specific GPA requirements.
  • Award Amount: $15,000
  • Deadline: N/A

CAPTAIN JODI CALLAHAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Created to honor Captain Jodi Callahan, both an AFA Under-Forty National Director and a Trustee of the former Aerospace Education Foundation, this scholarship is suitable for individuals looking to further their higher education by pursing a Master’s Degree. One scholarship is awarded each year.

  • Who’s Eligible: Active duty Air Force, full-time Air National Guard or full-time Air Force Reserve (officer or enlisted) pursuing a Master’s Degree in a non-technical field of study are eligible for this scholarship.
  • Award Amount: $1,000
  • Deadline: June 30

ARMED FORCES HEALTH PROFESSIONS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Have you always dreamt of becoming a healthcare professional (whether a physician, dentist, nurse, or otherwise)? If so, you can do so through the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) and have your tuition, books, most fees, and a monthly living stipend taken care of. You can even choose your school, making this scholarship perfect for aspiring health professionals.

  • Who’s Eligible: S. citizens who have been accepted into graduate-level health professions training programs are eligible for this scholarship.
  • Award Amount: $28,000, annually
  • Deadline: Varies

COL. LOREN J. AND MRS. LAWONA R. SPENCER SCHOLARSHIP

Made possible through the Spencer estate, this scholarship permits recipients to pursue graduate education in management and administration with a $5,000 scholarship. The check is submitted directly to your school, making tuition more affordable as you pursue advanced higher education courses.

  • Who’s Eligible: Military personnel who have been accepted into a master’s level program who have not received this scholarship previously are eligible.
  • Award Amount: $5,000
  • Deadline: June 30

Army Scholarships

Much like the Air Force specific scholarships, there are also scholarships created specifically for former members of the Army or family members of these individuals. Below, we discuss some of the most popular options to make the application process more convenient.

ARMY ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS

If you’re a high school student, college student, or graduate, there are several Army ROTC scholarships available. Each scholarship is awarded based on merit and grades rather than financial need, like many other military scholarships are.

  • Who’s Eligible: High school ROTC, College-level ROTC students or enlisted soldiers are eligible.
  • Award Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies

ARMY HEALTH PROFESSIONS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Known as the F. Edward Hébert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program, this scholarship allows qualified students the ability to receive full tuition for an accredited medical, veterinary, psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychology, optometry, or dental program of their choosing. Additionally, recipients will receive a monthly stipend of more than $2,000, giving them the support they need through school.

  • Who’s Eligible: S. residents who have an accredited bachelor’s degree who have been accepted to or enrolled in an accredited graduate program. These individuals must maintain full-time student status and qualify as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.
  • Award Amount: Full tuition, plus a monthly living stipend of more than $2,000
  • Deadline: Varies

AFCEA SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WAR VETERANS AND DISABLED WAR VETERANS OF IRAQI FREEDOM OR ENDURING FREEDOM-AFGHANISTAN

Whether you were in Operation Iraqi Freedom Operations or Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan, this scholarship is designed for college sophomores and juniors actively seeking an undergraduate degree. Scholarship fees can be used for tuition, books, and other mandatory fees.

  • Who’s Eligible: S. citizens who have been honorably discharged and who are currently enrolled at a 2-year or 4-year college or university in an eligible degree program
  • Award Amount: $2,500
  • Deadline: November 15, 2015

ARMY WOMEN’S FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Whether you’re a woman solider (past or present) or the descendant of one, the Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program awards $1,000 and $2,500 scholarships to qualified applicants seeking education at a Community College/Certificate Program ($1,000) or a College/University/Graduate Program ($2,500). There are multiple recipients each year.

  • Who’s Eligible:  Eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific scholarship; must be a female who has served or is serving in the U.S. Army or a daughter of a current or former service member.
  • Award Amount: $1,000 – $2,500
  • Deadline: January 15, 2016

ARMY NURSE CORPS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

If you served in the army and have always wanted to pursue a career in nursing, the Army Nurse Corps Association Scholarship is the perfect way to do so. This scholarship is available to students who have served in the army themselves or have parent(s), a spouse, or child(ren)that is/are serving or has/have served.

  • Who’s Eligible: Students in baccalaureate or advanced degree nursing or nurse anesthesia programs who are serving or have served in any branch of the U.S. military at any rank who are not receiving funding by a branch of the military.
  • Award Amount: $3,000
  • Deadline: April 15

Marine Scholarships

Have you or a member of your family served in the Marines? If so, you also stand to gain from military scholarships designed to further education and help take your career to the next level.
Below, you can find some of the most popular to make sure you’re applying to the proper scholarships.

MARINE CORPS ROTC

The Marine Corps ROTC National Scholarships give you the ability to attend a listed college or university and enjoy full tuition, coverage of all mandatory fees, a stipend for textbooks, coverage for uniforms, and a monthly subsistence allowance that varies depending on your academic year. Awards differ in length from two and three-year to four-year scholarships.

  • Who’s Eligible:  Individuals who are physically qualified by Marine Corps standards, with no criminal record, a qualifying score on college entrance exams (SAT, AFGT or ACT)
  • Award Amount: Full tuition, mandatory fees, a stipend of $750 per academic year for books, uniforms, and a monthly subsistence allowance

FREDERICK C. BRANCH MARINE CORPS LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

Named for the first African American Marine Corps officer commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1945, the Frederick C. Branch Marine Corps Leadership Scholarship is available at 17 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There is a four-year program as well as three- and two-year programs available.

  • Who’s Eligible:  Individuals who are physically qualified by Marine Corps standards, with no criminal record, a qualifying score on college entrance exams (SAT, AFGT or ACT)
  • Award Amount: $750
  • Deadline: July 15

OLMSTED SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Designed for architecture students and named after Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture, this scholarship program is the premier program for students in this field. The award is known for its prestige and powerful influence in the architecture field.

  • Who’s Eligible: Military officers and their spouses who are seeking to learn landscape architecture to foster human and societal benefits are eligible. Candidates must be nominated directly by their service branch.
  • Award Amount: $25,000 graduate and $15,000 undergraduate
  • Deadline: March – April

MARINES MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION TRIBUTE SCHOLARSHIPS

With four available scholarships of $2,500 each available this school year, individuals interested in continuing their current undergraduate education are eligible for this scholarship. You must be a full-time student and study at an accredited institution to receive the scholarship.

  • Who’s Eligible:  Marines who have transitioned from active duty to reserve or civilian status in the past three years are eligible to apply for financial assistance for undergraduate study.
  • Award Amount: $2,500
  • Deadline: April 23

Navy Scholarships 

Last but certainly not least are the Navy scholarships you should consider if you or a family member has served in this prestigious section of the armed forces.
Here are four scholarships worth considering if you or someone you know is looking to further their higher education.

NAVAL RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS EDUCATION ASSISTANCE

If you are a child or spouse of an active duty or retired Sailor or Marine, the child of a deceased Sailor or Marine, or a MECEP or MECP student, you qualify for education assistance. Loans range from $500 to $3,000 per academic year and can be used for tuition, books, fees, room, and board.

  • Who’s Eligible: Children and spouses of active duty or retired Sailors and Marines, children of deceased Sailors or Marines, and MECEP or MECP students (or selectees).
  • Award Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: November 1, 2015

NAVY ROTC

Like ROTC scholarships for other members of the armed forces, the Navy ROTC scholarships are available in four-, three-, and two-year periods. With full tuition at listed colleges and universities included, this scholarship is a valuable opportunity to further education as a full-time student.

  • Who’s Eligible: Individuals who are physically qualified by Marine Corps standards, with no criminal record, a qualifying score on college entrance exams (SAT, AFGT or ACT).
  • Award Amount: Full tuition, mandatory fee coverage, an academic yearly stipend of $750 for textbooks, uniform allowance, and a subsistence allowance per month (will vary depending on academic year)

NAVY SEAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Another scholarship awarded on merit and academic potential (based on considerations such as grade point average, SAT scores, class rankings, extracurriculars, etc.), the Navy Seal Foundation Scholarship is an excellent opportunity to pursue higher education. Scholarship amounts vary and are available to both part-time and full-time students.

  • Who’s Eligible: Active duty SEALs, SWCC, and other active duty Naval Special Warfare personnel as well as dependent children and spouses of these individuals
  • Award Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: March 15

COLLEGE STUDENT PRE-COMMISSIONING INITIATIVE

If you demonstrate an exceptional level of academic and leadership excellence, are looking to pursue education in a full-time Bachelor’s Degree program, and are willing to be enlisted into the United States Coast Guard should consider this scholarship. With full coverage of all expenses, this scholarship is a simple way to pursue higher education while completing a minimum of 16 hours per month in Coast Guard Activities, amongst other requirements.

  • Who’s Eligible: Undergraduate students between 19 and 28 who are sophomores or juniors in a specific college or university with at least a 2.5 GPA.
  • Award Amount: Full Coverage of Tuition, Fees, Books and Living Expenses
  • Deadline: January 4, 2016

Apply for All Applicable Scholarships to Further Your Education Without Paying the Price

All too often, higher education is too expensive for active and retired members of the military and their family members. But through valuable scholarships like those above, you too can access higher education and create a better future for both yourself and your family.

We hope that you’ve found this article helpful as you search for scholarships to help fund your educational journey. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to answer questions or provide other support as you complete the scholarship process.

About ACLS Medical Training

ACLS Medical Training is committed to expanding advanced cardiac life support training to medical professionals and CPR training to concerned citizens so that victims of cardiac arrest will have properly trained individuals ready to help in their time of need.

Click here for more information about ACLS Medical Training

*All content derived from ACLS Medical Training

Why His Deployment Is the Right Time to Earn Your College Degree

By

Tips for Getting Your College Degree During His Deployment

Your service member’s deployment may be right time for you to start taking college classes.

You’ve been thinking about going back to school for a while now and your spouse just deployed. What are you waiting for?

Deployment is a great time to earn a college degree.

We’re all busy with family, work, volunteering and just life in general, which can put higher education on the back burner. If getting a degree truly is important to you, don’t put it off any longer.

Ask yourself a few questions and follow these tips to start working toward a college degree while your service member is away.

What type of learning environment suits your needs best?

Start by deciding if you would benefit most by going to a traditional college, an online program or a school that offers both in person and online classes. Is it feasible to make the commute to campus? Are you disciplined enough to take classes online and study on your own? What kind of experience are you looking for? Some people thrive in the classroom interacting with the professor and other students while some prefer to do it all on their own.

Do you want to go to a two-year or four-year college?

Community colleges offer associate degrees through a two-year program. Many students start at these schools, because they cost less and then transition to a four-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Research colleges thoroughly.

Don’t limit your options to the college closest to you or exclude one you think might be too expensive. You might miss a great school that way. Widen your search and see what each school has to offer then you can determine if it is a match for what you want. Make sure the college you choose offers the program you want in the timeline you are looking for.

Browse through the school’s alumni directory to see what graduates have done with their degrees. Are there many listed in the field you are interested in? Read the school’s testimonies and search social media to see students’ perceptions of the college.

Decide on a major.

While you don’t need to decide on a major before you begin classes, it is helpful to have an idea of the area in which you want to pursue. You can take a few classes without declaring a major or simply register for general studies and many students change their majors multiple times.

Tips for Getting Your College Degree During His Deployment

College is expensive. Don’t forget to apply for scholarships for military spouses.

One thing to consider though, you may end up taking extra classes, which means your college degree could take longer to attain and you will be spending more money.

Look for scholarships.

College is expensive, but you don’t have to foot the whole bill. There are thousands of scholarships available; you just have to look for them.

I had 9 scholarships for my undergraduate years. Combined they covered everything. A friend received one scholarship that paid for everything.

Scholarships are offered in various amounts and every little bit helps. Spend some time researching college scholarships. Apply to the ones that require more work. Those with essays receive fewer entries because people don’t want to spend the time doing them.

Start volunteering with your community, if you aren’t doing so already. This is a very valuable quality to put on scholarship applications and some scholarships even require a certain number of volunteer hours. Look for scholarships that are specific to you as well. There are scholarships available strictly to military spouses.

Talk to friends, family and coworkers about their experiences.

It can be difficult to make such a big decision. Seek out help from friends by simply asking them what they liked best about their school, their college experience and how they made their decision on a school that lead them to a degree.

Tips for Getting Your College Degree During His Deployment

What tips do you have for going back to school during a deployment?

Make a college plan.

Look at the necessary courses for the degree you have chosen. Review the class schedule ahead of time and make a plan with a timeline for completing your degree. Some classes are only offered in specific semesters. Most programs have a capstone class that must be taken in your last semester. Make sure you know when that is so you aren’t waiting an extra semester just to take that one class because you didn’t time your program correctly.

Delegate time.

Once you have decided on a college and a program, make sure you take it seriously and spend the necessary time studying. That means setting aside a specific time to study. Do your homework. Don’t waste your time and money avoiding it. Delegate your time wisely and don’t show up late for class.

Tips for Getting Your College Degree During His Deployment

Are you thinking about going to college while your service member is deployed? What questions do you have?

Enjoy your classes.

College is a wonderful thing and can be a great experience if you let it. Study hard and you will feel so rewarded when you receive your degree.

What tips do you have for going back to school during a deployment?

Military Spouses Unaware of MyCAA Scholarship Program

By

Earlier this year, the RAND Corporation, a research group, released a study that military spouses are NOT using scholarship programs that are aimed to help assist the community with college.

Particularly, a majority of military spouses didn’t know about the MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account) Program.

As military spouses, we experience multiple moves, deployments, TDYs and any other unexpected surprises that come our way. Because separation often times keeps military spouses busy holding down the fort, college might take a backseat.

Military Spouses Unaware of MyCAA Scholarship Program

MyCAA was created so that military spouses can pursue a meaningful education and attain portable careers.

Also, college is pretty dang expensive and scholarships are critical to help with tuition. I speak for myself when I say I wouldn’t have been able to finish my college education without scholarship programs. Last school year, the College Board reported that the average cost of tuition for state residents is more than $9,000 and almost $23,000 for out-of-state residents. In addition, if you wanted to attend a private university, tuition is more than $30,000.

Tuition is really intimidating and might have hindered a lot of spouses from attaining their bachelor’s degrees. But, just like the RAND study exposed, military spouses don’t know what’s out there. It’s important to share the message and pass along the details of MyCAA.

MyCAA was created for military spouses by the DoD, so they can pursue a meaningful education and attain portable careers. The goal of MyCAA is to work with a spouse’s military lifestyle and to ease the financial burden of a college, but less than 1/5 of eligible military spouses use MyCAA. MyCAA provides payment for obtaining appropriate licensing or certificates needed for certain jobs.

To be eligible for MyCAA, military spouses need to be married to active duty service members (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force) at the following pay grades: E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2.

Guard and Reserve spouses can use MyCAA if they start and complete their classes while their service member has Title 10 orders.

The RAND study highlights that one of the main causes for not using the MyCAA program is because a lot of military spouses think they don’t qualify or are time limited. It also found that newer military spouses didn’t know MyCAA existed.

Related: 10 Employment Programs to Help Military Spouses Find Jobs

Military OneSource counselors are available to military spouses that have questions or need guidance with MyCAA. It doesn’t hurt to reach out to someone, especially if you’re thinking about a career change or continuing your education.

Even if you aren’t eligible for MyCAA, there are so many other military spouses out there that would benefit from this amazing program, so be sure you keep it in mind for others.

Have you used the MyCAA scholarship? Why or why not?

National Professional Licenses Would Help Working Military Spouses

By

You graduated from college and got your teaching license in one state and then the military moved you to another. You want to work but you can’t. Your professional license isn’t valid in your new home state. What a frustrating situation to be in. You are trying to support your spouse and your country and you can’t even work because of a state license, a professional license that you worked hard to earn.

National Professional Licenses Would Help Working Military Spouses

How much money have you spent transferring your professional license?

Sound familiar? There are several careers that military spouses have worked hard to have but they have to give up their job because of state licensing. The process to get a new license can be complicated as well as cost you time and money.

Some states allow out-of-state licenses, others do not. The regulations can be really random and there is no national standard. This isn’t only an issue for military spouses. Civilians move to a new state for their spouses’ jobs too and run into this same type of problem.

So what is the answer? Have you faced this state licensing problem as a military spouse?

It would be great if there was a nationwide license transfer standard. Where it wouldn’t matter where you got your license and where you live in the United States because you could simply transfer your professional license without a lot of issues. Doing this would allow you to find a job in your field without having to worry that you don’t have the right license. This change would make life a lot easier for military spouses who want to further their careers.

The good news is that there is a group trying to make this happen.

The Third Way is a D.C.-based Think Tank working toward an “Interstate Teaching Application.”

Each state would evaluate the person as well as their credentials. Those working as nurses, lawyers and other professions would be able to benefit from something like this too.

I know if I worked hard to get a license and start my career in one state, I would really like to continue to practice my field in another state no matter where the military might send us.

Related: 5 College Degrees Leading to Portable Careers

Life can be hard for military spouses when your career has to be put on hold. Not all spouses want to be a stay-at-home mom. There are so many spouses out there that want to continue working and can’t because of situations like this. It would be better for everyone if something could change to make it possible to easily transfer a professional license.

These changes would also encourage those who are in school or thinking about going to college to pursue one of these careers. They can continue their future careers more easily when the PCS comes. I know if I was debating a certain program, I would want to know that I could continue that career into the future, wherever we might go and whatever state the military might send us.

What do you think? Should professional licenses for nurses, teachers and lawyers be accepted nationwide?

Applications for Commissary Scholarship Now Open

By

The Scholarships for Military Children Program, now in its 15th year, provides college scholarships to military dependents. Applications for the 2015-2016 school year awards are now available at each commissary as well as online. This scholarship was “created in recognition of the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community. It is the intent of the program that a scholarship funded through contributions be awarded annually for each commissary operated by the Defense Commissary Agency worldwide.” Every commissary will award at least one $2,000 scholarship and more may be possible based on funding and eligible applicants.

Who is Eligible for the Scholarships for Military Children Program?

The scholarship is only open to dependent unmarried children under age 23 of active duty, reserve/guard and retired military members or survivors of service members who died while on active duty. Dependents whose sponsor died while receiving retired pay from the military are also eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database and have a current military ID as well.

Each person submitting an application must be enrolling in a full-time undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university for the fall term of 2015. Those who have already attained an undergraduate degree are not eligible.

The scholarship is based in part on academic achievement.  All high school applicants must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 basis. The requirement for college students however is a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5, also based on a 4.0 scale. Those currently studying at a community or junior college must be enrolled in a program that transfers into a four-year program.

How to Apply

Applications are available at your local commissary or you can download one . All application packets must be turned in at a commissary or mailed to one. You can look up the contact information for each commissary and contact them to determine who the application should be turned into specifically. The packet should contain the two-page application, school transcript with a cumulative unweighted GPA and a short essay.

This year the essay is:

Choose a woman who during WWII significantly influenced military decisions for either the Allied or Axis forces. Discuss what she did and why, how her actions impacted the war effort, and any unique challenges she may have faced. What lessons can be learned from her actions? Please choose an actual person (i.e., not a representation such as “Rosie the Riveter”). You may choose someone who served in the armed services, a civilian who acted “behind the scenes” or an intelligence spy.

While this subject could be quite lengthy, the essay must be 500 words or less. It needs to be typed, double spaced, and no longer than 2 pages.

The Notification Process

Letters will be mailed to recipients on or about May 15th. Those who applied but were not chosen will not be notified.

While it is a onetime award, it is a great opportunity to receive money for college. The $2,000 scholarship can be put toward any qualified expenses, such as tuition, fees, lab fees and books. The check is issued directly to the college so any other education-related costs, including class equipment or supplies are also allowed.

This is a great scholarship so don’t delay. Apply for a college scholarship through your military commissary today.