Education and Training
According to the 2006 DoD Study
of Active-Duty Spouses, more than 85 percent of survey respondent said
they would like to further their education and develop a portable
career, but were not doing so because of the high cost of education.
Although military spouses may not qualify for some state-sponsored
education programs due to residency requirements, there’s lots of
good news for those who want to pursue a college degree or additional
training.
FRA is proud to have
played a role in two significant legislative victories related to
education benefits for military family members. The Post-9/11 GI Bill includes the option for
eligible service members to transfer their tuition benefit to spouses
after serving for six years and agreeing to serve for another four.
(After 10 years of service, benefits may also be transferred to
children.) The legislation, which becomes effective on 1 August 2009, provides a
generous tuition benefit that’s transferable to spouses and
children of active duty personnel.
FRA also supported the
Higher Education Opportunity Act (PL 110-315), which requires states
receiving federal funds to provide in-state tuition rates for active
duty service members and their families attending state colleges and
universities. This measure takes effect on 1
July 2009.
There are also numerous
scholarship and assistance programs that can help defray the cost of a
college education. For example, FRA’s scholarship program provides more
than $100,000 each year to its members, their spouses, children and
grandchildren.
Military spouses seeking to gain skills and credentials may be
eligible for a Military Spouse Career Advancement Account
(CAA). This demonstration
project, being tested at 18 military installations in the U.S., provides
up to $3,000 per year (renewable for a second year/total of $6,000)
toward the cost of training and education in high-demand, portable
career fields. The program is specifically targeted at spouses who have
high school diplomas, GEDs and/or some level of post-secondary
education. Interested spouses should contact the local Education Center, Family Support Center or One-Stop Career Center nearest their installation.
Visit www.military.com/spouse or www.milspouse.org/caa for more
detailed information.
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