College Grants for Veterans
Veterans returning to civilian life after serving in the military may need financial help to seek higher education. Each year an estimated 375,000 troops separate from the military and return to civilian life, according to the Fund for Veterans Education (see Reference 1). These former troops have options available to them through private and public sources. Many of these groups also help family members of veterans pay for college.
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Function
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The National Resource Directory is "an online partnership for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families and those who support them." This site provides listings of grants and scholarships available to veterans. There also is other information about continuing education such as internships, career certification and various colleges and universities. Visit the directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov.
Types
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The Veterans Educational Assistance Program is available to you if you served between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985, and you contributed some of your military pay in order to participate. There are also programs called the Special Restorative Training and Special Vocational Training for veterans who have been injured. Your local Veterans Affairs office can provide information on these programs (see Reference 2).
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Identification
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The AMVETS annually awards scholarships through the National Service Foundation to veterans and active military members, along with their families. Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and financial need. The AMVETS also partners with DeVry and Phoenix universities (see Reference 3).
The Military Officers Association of America provides scholarships and grants to former military personnel and children of parents who died on active duty or children of retired personnel for a first undergraduate degree. Grants include the General John Paul Ratay Educational Fund Grants, Senior Grants, and the Designated Scholar Program, which is a combination of loans and a grant. Visit www.moaa.org for more information.
Considerations
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Colleges and universities have lists of grants and scholarships available. Check with the financial aid office at the institutions you are applying to for information. They will supply you with lists of grants given directly to military veterans.
The military branches also are sources of grants and scholarships. Contact the branch you served in for more information. Federal government Pell Grants also are sources of college funding that do not have to be repaid. These are offered to all students with a financial need.
Warning
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Veterans and traditional students seeking financial aid can become victims of scams if they are not careful. Do not provide confidential financial information to anyone unless you are absolutely sure they are from a legitimate organization.
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