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Education for Veterans The value of education should never be underestimated, especially education for veterans. The federal government, specifically the Department of Veteran Affairs, has made higher education and vocational training for veterans financially possible and a benefit that should not be overlooked. U.S. military veterans already have an impressive skill set, but jobs without some type of education are becoming rare, that is why veterans need to take advantage of educational opportunities now. In 2008 the Department of Veteran Affairs estimated that there were over 23 million veterans in the U.S., and in the post 9/11 population over 70% of veterans were under the age of 39. This percentage is expected to grow rapidly over the next years. These numbers indicate that there is an overwhelmingly large population of young veterans needing to find jobs after their military career. Education for veterans, on any level will improve the chance of finding employment that will turn into an enjoyable career. Education for veterans takes many forms. Graduate or undergraduate degrees are the most traditional, but they do not appeal to everyone. In many cases available time, other commitments and location may interfere with a traditional school schedule. Veteran education can also take the form of online education for Veterans, Distance Education for Veterans, vocational or trade schools for Veterans as well as entrepreneurship or on the job training. Online classes give veterans a great opportunity to ‘attend’ school at their own pace and on their own hours. Many veterans choose a trade school education; this provides a shorter alternative to traditional college and gives veterans a job-ready skill. Whatever type of veteran education you choose, it will exponentially increase your chances at finding a job and will give you knowledge to last a lifetime. Military Spouses are also eligible for MyCAA program with funding of $6,000 for portable careers. Please check out the Virtual School Directory on MilitaryConnection.com Funding Veteran Education As stated, the Department of Veteran Affairs wants veterans to seek a degree or vocational training after their military service. Education for veterans is one of the biggest priorities, and that is why the G.I Bill was recently revised to make funding veteran education even easier. The Post 9/11 GI Bill is designed specifically to help those who have served post 9/11; those who served before 9/11 will be subject to the 1984 Montgomery G.I. Bill. The recently revised Post 9/11 GI Bill, veteran education pays the colleges, universities, vocational schools and certificate programs directly. It also provides tax free living expenses for the Veteran based on the BAH Housing Calculator calculated at the rate of an E-5 with dependents for the zip code of the school. Those attending distance education for veterans will receive $700 a month too. There is also $1,000 stipend annually for books, supplies, etc. Eligible veterans for the recent Post 9/11 GI Bill should take advantage of their education benefit for Veterans especially if doing so can lead to better jobs for Veterans. In certain instances, Veterans are able to transfer their education benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill to their dependents. We also invite our users to check out the Directory of Scholarships for Veterans
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