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Are For-Profit Colleges the Best Choice for Veteran Education?

February 18, 2016/in Education, GI Bill, Military Veteran, Veteran News, Veteran Schools, Veterans Benefits

A number of for-profit colleges have been characterized as preying on those seeing to use their veteran education benefits. These schools are often guilty of inflated job promises and under-delivering on education. With more than 1 million veterans and their families taking advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill to attend college, are for-profit school the best choice?

It’s no secret that the for-profit sector has aggressively aimed its marketing to members of the military. A 2014 Senate report found that eight for-profit college companies received $2.9 billion in Post-9/11 GI Bill veteran benefits, approximately one quarter of all the funds spent on GI Bill benefits in 2012-2013.

Further, due to a loophole in current law, veteran education students are unusually attractive to for-profit colleges. First, veterans eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits offer for-profit colleges a guaranteed stream of federal revenue but, unlike the students attending the colleges with federal student loans, do not present a risk of subsequent default.

In addition, the Higher Education Act requires that all proprietary (for-profit) colleges demonstrate compliance with the “90/10 rule” meaning that at least ten percent of revenues must come from sources other than federal financial aid funds authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act. However, as currently written, federal military educational benefits including Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are not counted as federal financial aid and in fact are counted on the “10” side of the revenue calculation.

What makes for-profit schools so attractive to this audience, given the fact that on average, for-profit schools cost twice as much as educating veterans at public colleges?

First off, as previously stated, for-profit schools are the ones targeting and courting these potential students. They make for easy acceptance and easy enrollment in order to cash in on veteran resources.

Traditional colleges and universities should be doing much more to reach out to help those who served reach their education goals. These nontraditional students often come out of the military with unique skill sets. These schools need to let veterans know that they are not only welcome, but they are accepted and valued. Becoming a “Veteran Friendly” or Yellow Ribbon School would go a long way to that end.

Also, transition resources should focus on giving advice to those who want to further their education. Providing more guidance and knowledge on how to make that transition is crucial: when to apply; what kind of credentials schools are looking for; how to package yourself as an applicant. If a veteran needs to beef up their academic credentials, then attending a community college is a great alternative.

The bottom line is that not-for-profit schools need to market their veteran education value. In the long run, it will greatly benefit the schools , the veterans, and the tax payers.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, and their families.

Veterans Court at Fort Hood is the Newest Veteran Benefit

January 23, 2016/in Military Veteran, Veteran News

By Debbie Gregory.

Last month, under an agreement between the U.S. Attorney, the Chief of Pretrial Services for the Western District of Texas and the VA, a Veterans Treatment Court, the first located on a major military installation, was established at Fort Hood. This is a great veteran benefit to the many veterans in the Fort Hood area.

Also called the Veterans Endeavor for Treatment Support, the program hopes to aid veterans with service-connected mental health or substance abuse disorders to stay out of the court system. As far as veteran resources go, this one is a win-win for all.

Fort Hood was chosen because of the large veteran population surround the base. However, the program is voluntary. A variety of misdemeanor crimes will fall into the program such as driving while intoxicated, various types of assaults, property crimes and theft crimes.
Qualified veterans charged with committing misdemeanors while on Fort Hood will be eligible to participate in the pilot program designed to provide an alternative to a federal conviction. The treatment court model also builds upon the Department of Justice ‘Smart on Crime’ initiative to bolster prevention and reentry efforts to deter crime and reduce recidivism.

“This is a unique program, and so far as we know, it is the only one of its kind for offenses committed by veterans on military bases,” said Richard Durbin, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas.

Scheduled to begin this month, the initiative will be overseen by U.S. District Court Judge Walter Smith Jr. and run by Judge Jeffrey Manske.

Participants in the program will be under intensive supervision for approximately 12-18 months, concurrently utilizing various types of treatment depending on their circumstances. Treatment could include substance abuse, mental health, and counseling.

More than 160 of these courts exist in state and federal jurisdictions nationwide. If you know of a local Veterans’ Court in your area, please feel free to send the information to info@localhost and we will add it to our Veterans Court Resource page.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, and their families.

Military Connection: What Veterans Can Expect For 2015

January 21, 2015/in Archived Blogs

Current and former members of the U.S. military belong to a fraternal demographic unmatched by any other American society. No other group of former coworkers, schoolmates or teammates share the bond that service members and Veterans share with one another. At the same time, Veterans and current service members, numbering 24 million-strong, enjoy tremendous support from the government and the American public. As we begin 2015, there are a few predictions that we may see realized for our nation’s military/veteran community.

Veteran Employment As Standard Business Practice– Thousands of employers across the country have experienced the value of hiring and retaining Veterans, so much so that they implemented larger-scale operating practices to recruit, hire and retain Veterans. While the strong push to hire Veterans will slow eventually, it is believed that the initiatives and programs created for Post-9/11 Veterans will continue on.

Increases in Veteran Owned Business– Economists predict that amassing resources to bolster Veteran employment will also generate a focus facilitating more Veteran-owned businesses. This new focus makes sense because of job creation and the fact that Veteran-owned businesses are 30% more likely to hire Veterans than other businesses.

Fewer Initiatives Enacted– For almost a decade, the government and the public has showered the Veteran community with goodwill and new benefits. With the wars officially at a close, the need to include new Veteran-friendly initiatives and legislation will begin to decline. We will likely see the beginning of this decline in the coming months.

Veterans Catching On– Most Veterans have investigated at least one “employment opportunity,” or “Veterans Discount” only to realize that they were being targeted for some sort of scam. It’s sad, but true. And most Veterans have to learn the hard way about these less than honest offerings. But with the rise of social media and the reach of Veteran-friendly government agencies and private organizations, many newly separated Veterans will be made aware of the scams without exposing themselves to the risks.

More Military Discounts– With a large population of war time Veterans carrying clout in the economic market, many retailers are beginning to devise mutually beneficial discounts in order to get these Veterans to their physical and online stores. Additionally, advances in technology enable online verification of military status, and many states are now issuing Veteran ID cards which make it easy for retailers to verify military/Veteran status in-store.

Increased Targeting of Veterans in Advertising– Companies are recognizing that the 24 million service members and Veterans, as well as their immediate and extended families have massive spending power. Advertisers believe that the impact of the military/Veteran community’s consumer market is near $1 trillion. This will lead to increases in military-centric advertising, special discounts, and tailored products and services.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard,Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: What Veterans Can Expect For 2015: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: New Year Mental Health Check: By Debbie Gregory

December 31, 2014/in Archived Blogs

As we head into a new year, some Veterans may find themselves experiencing higher levels of sadness, loneliness, and fatigue. Often, the holiday season can trigger additional stressors, which often include family tensions, financial difficulties, and being separated from loved ones during the holidays. All of these stressors, individually, can add to the burden that a Veteran in crisis is already coping with. Or they can be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back. Veterans need to remember that they are not alone during difficult times. Whether it’s chronic depression, or a bout of the “holiday blues,” there are a number of resources available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Mental health care and suicide prevention are among the VA’s top priorities year round, but they are especially important topics during and after the holiday season. The VA’s mental health programs offer information, tools and links to other resources for Veterans and their family members. The materials provided to Veterans coping with, or at risk for mental health concerns, have been proven to decrease suicide rates by more than 16%.

The VA’s mental health portal specifically offers a confidential screening tool that screens for depression, alcohol and substance abuse, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The page provides a “Provider Toolkit” that features materials to support community mental health clinicians who serve Veteran clients. There is also information about substance abuse and links for where to get help.

One of the best places for Veterans, service members, and their family members to get immediate help is the Veterans Crisis Line. The Crisis line connects service members, Veterans, family members and friends in crisis to qualified VA responders. Anyone in crisis can call at (800) 273-8255 [then press 1]; or text 838255; or utilize the online chat function to reach the help they need.

All methods are confidential, toll-free and available 24/7/365.

It is estimated that Veterans commit suicide on the average of 22 per day. But there is no reason for any Veteran to take their life, when the help they need is right at their fingertips, and so easily attained on their behalf by friends and family.

Save a life, especially your own, by knowing the resources that are available for Veterans with a history of mental health concerns, Veterans in need of a post-holiday mental health self-check, and Veterans in crisis at www.va.gov. And in the case of an emergency, by-pass the VA resources and dial emergency services (911).

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: New Year Mental Health Check: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Experience- the Best Veteran Resource: By Joe Silva

December 4, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Casey Taylor is a medically retired Master Gunnery Sergeant from the U.S. Marine Corps. Taylor was drafted in 1968 and was immediately deployed to Vietnam. His service spanned from 1968 to 1997. During that time, Taylor was also deployed to Somalia, Yugoslavia, Bosnia, Panama and in support of Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

If his military experience isn’t enough to impress you, after retiring, Master Guns went to work in the civilian world as a district manager, overseeing wireless network designs covering six states. He also worked as a GS-15 DOD civilian from 2000-2007. You could say that Master Guns Taylor has pretty much been there, done that.

In 2007, Taylor was medically retired from government service after having surgery on his back.

“I guess three hundred and eighty-seven jumps in the Marine Corps had taken its toll on my back,” Taylor told MilitaryConnection.com.

Something went terribly wrong with the surgery, leaving the retired Marine paralyzed from the waist down. This type of disability would leave most people discouraged and depressed. But Master Guns Taylor saw his new situation as the means to take on another mission. He decided to spend his time helping and serving his fellow Veterans.

From his home, mostly through email and over the phone, Taylor helps Veterans with a broad array of post-military problems, from employment searches and résumé advice to interviewing tips. Veterans spanning all branches of the service, ranging from E-4’s to O-6, seek Master Guns’ guidance.

“I give them the tools they need to succeed in the real world,” Taylor said. “I have knowledge of how the outside world works, and I’m here to explain what to expect.

Military Connection CEO Debbie Gregory has known Master Guns Taylor for a number of years, and has taken great pride in referring Veterans to him. Taylor not only provides Veterans with résumé templates, he also helps them make their résumé applicable to civilian employment, and offers to talk them through mock job interviews. Only after their résumé and interview skills are ready, Master Guns connects Veterans to job recruiters that he trusts; and only recruiters that won’t take money from the Veterans.

Taylor says that his work doesn’t end there. He often refers his Veterans to the MilitaryConnection.com website, where they can access all of the resources and information available there. Additionally, he keeps in contact with his Veterans, making sure that they are making it. Even after helping his younger Veterans get a job, he has helped them leave that job and find a better one.

Taylor told MilitaryConnection that to date, he has helped more than 500 Veterans, and he is currently helping about another 100. Master Guns couldn’t determine how much time he commits to helping each Veteran. He says that each Veteran is an individual with individual needs, and he makes sure not to treat them like a number.

The best part about the guidance that Taylor provides… it’s free. Master Guns says that he won’t even consider taking a dime from any Veteran. He helps them because he feels it is the right thing to do, and because he is able to. To Master Guns, working with Veterans is its own reward.

Taylor said, “Every year around the holidays, I get cards, phone calls, texts and emails from my Veterans. The best feeling in the world is a thank you.”

If you or a Veteran you know could benefit from Master Guns’ assistance, please contact Casey Taylor at mastergunstaylor@gmail.com

It is my hope that by reading this article, my fellow Veterans will be inspired by Master Guns’ story and take up the torch to help other Veterans, in whatever way they are able to… because it’s the right thing to do.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Experience- the Best Veteran Resource: By Joe Silva

Military Connection: CalVet Website Recognized: By Debbie Gregory

October 18, 2014/in Archived Blogs

On October 9, 2014, the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) announced that their recently overhauled website received a Digital Government Achievement Award from the Center for Digital Government. The center issues annual awards in an effort to recognize exceptional city, county, state, federal, and international government websites and digital projects.

CalVet launched their revamped website in March, 2014. Improvements to the site included detailed information about state and federal benefits, as well as location-specific local services that are available to California’s Veterans and their families. The site even provides direct links for Veterans to apply for programs online.

The myCalvet site enables Veterans to easily navigate the technology to access their service-earned benefits. The web site provides CalVet with the opportunity to combine existing databases. The site also provides CalVet a platform for information exchanges with other federal and state agencies, as part of an inter-agency effort to provide the most holistic and efficient service to Veterans and their families.

“Our new site is much more user-friendly and intuitive,” CalVet Deputy Secretary Veterans Affairs, Keith Boylan, said. “Our myCalVet feature allows our Veterans, Veteran family members and Veteran stakeholders to create a secure, personal profile. The next time the user logs onto our site, the information pushed to them is based on their profile and interests.”

The myCalVet tool is one of many current CalVet efforts designed to increase the number of California Veterans and family members that are connected to the benefits they have earned through their military service.

CalVet earned their award in the “Driving Digital Government State government” category. Other winners in that same category were Access Health CT (Connecticut’s Online Insurance Marketplace); and the California Department of Public Health (Health Information Exchange Gateway.)

To visit the CalVet web site and create your own myCalVet profile, go to www.calvet.ca.gov.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: CalVet Website Recognized:By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Have You Used These VA Tools? By Debbie Gregory

August 3, 2014/in Archived Blogs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working harder than ever to provide Veterans with the resources needed to succeed in their post-military careers. Currently, there are programs and benefits available to Veterans and service members so that they can be competitive in their desired educational program, find sustainable employment, and smoothly transition into civilian life.

The VA recently revamped their GI Bill website, with additional tools to aid Veterans and their dependents choose their educational paths. The most notable addition is The GI Bill Comparison Tool. This useful table provides users with GI Bill information about their potential schools, including eligibility, tuition costs, monthly housing allowance payments and stipend amounts. Additional information is provided regarding the schools’ participation in Veteran programs, as well as how many GI Bill students used their benefits at those schools within the last year, graduation rates, and student borrowing rates.

The VA is also increasing its efforts to better assist Veterans with service-connected disabilities through its Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. This program helps service-disabled Veterans obtain job training, find jobs *****or***** start their own businesses, and it provides independent living services to help them overcome barriers to work situations.

From the GI Bill Comparison Tools’ page, Veterans have instant access to all of this information, and also links to CareerScope, the Decision Guide for choosing a school, Education and Career counseling, the Career Center, and a direct link to apply for GI Bill Benefits. These easy-access, highly informative tools make the VA’s GI Bill website a must-have on every Veteran’s favorites tab.

This article could not be written without the effort, dedication and hard work of Rosye Cloud and her staff at the VA. Ms. Cloud is the Senior Advisor for Veteran Employment for the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Office of Economic Opportunity. She is also a contributor to the VA’s blog, VAntage Point.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.