Posted on Aug 18, 2020
VetXL: Back to School – live Q&A with VA and community partners. What are your questions?
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Join us on RallyPoint, August 27th from 3-4PM EST, for a live Q&A focusing on Back to School resources, GI Bill, learning options, and virtual tools. You can ask questions in writing now or during the live event. Please note that there is no audio or visual component to this Q&A event.
You can ask questions, on this page, to the following people:
LTC Tony Davis, Veterans Experience Office - Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
MCPO Eric Faulkner, Veterans Experience Office - Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
Charmain Bogue, Director, Department of Veterans Affairs - VBA Education Service
SGT Lauren Augustine, VP of Government Affairs - Student Veterans of America
CPL David Muir, SVP Veteran Staffing Network - Easterseals
LCDR Bill Ashton, Acting Division Director, Strategic Initiatives and Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison - Department of Agriculture
CPT Christine Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer - Service to School
Check out resources from Department of Education, Military Child Education Coalition, YMCA, and Cohen Veteran Network!
http://rly.pt/EdGov
Militarychild.org - https://rly.pt/2EsmUOR
YMCA - http://rly.pt/YMCA
http://rly.pt/MGHMilitaryFamilies
Veterans Experience Office-
https://rly.pt/VEO
To enable VA to be the leading customer service organization in government so that Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors Choose VA. VEO implements solutions based on Veteran-centered designs and industry best practices while aligning VA services with the secretary’s priorities. The Veterans, Family and Community Engagement Directorate supports Veterans through coordination and integration of local VA and non-VA services Veteran Friendly Communities Initiative working with the Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) and leading federal advisory committees.
VBA Education Service-
http://rly.pt/EducationService
Administers VA's education programs that provide education and training benefits to eligible Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Service members, Veterans, and dependents.
Student Veterans of America-
http://rly.pt/SVA
Since 2008, Student Veterans of America has worked to inspire tomorrow’s leaders. With a community network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA is committed to transforming the current skills and experience of student veterans. Every day, these dedicated chapter leaders work to ensure that yesterday’s warriors have the resources at hand to succeed in their academic journey and beyond.
USDA-
USDA wants to ensure that veterans looking to return home, or start a new career on a farm or in a rural community have the tools and opportunities you need to succeed.
USDA’s veterans website serves as a one-stop navigator for veterans looking to learn more about employment, education, and entrepreneurship on or beyond the farm.
Easterseals -
Easterseals makes profound, positive differences in the daily lives of people of all ages with disabilities, special needs, military backgrounds and their families. Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network (VSN) connects veterans and military spouses to employers using a veteran staffing agency model. We work with employers to fill temp-to perm, contract, and direct-hire positions.
Service to School-
Service to School (S2S) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides free college and grad school application counseling to military veterans and servicemembers.
Our goal is to help veterans gain admission to the best college for them while empowering each veteran to make informed decisions about their education.
RallyPoint Answers and Discussion Conduct: https://rly.pt/33ySsg0
You can ask questions, on this page, to the following people:
LTC Tony Davis, Veterans Experience Office - Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
MCPO Eric Faulkner, Veterans Experience Office - Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
Charmain Bogue, Director, Department of Veterans Affairs - VBA Education Service
SGT Lauren Augustine, VP of Government Affairs - Student Veterans of America
CPL David Muir, SVP Veteran Staffing Network - Easterseals
LCDR Bill Ashton, Acting Division Director, Strategic Initiatives and Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison - Department of Agriculture
CPT Christine Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer - Service to School
Check out resources from Department of Education, Military Child Education Coalition, YMCA, and Cohen Veteran Network!
http://rly.pt/EdGov
Militarychild.org - https://rly.pt/2EsmUOR
YMCA - http://rly.pt/YMCA
http://rly.pt/MGHMilitaryFamilies
Veterans Experience Office-
https://rly.pt/VEO
To enable VA to be the leading customer service organization in government so that Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors Choose VA. VEO implements solutions based on Veteran-centered designs and industry best practices while aligning VA services with the secretary’s priorities. The Veterans, Family and Community Engagement Directorate supports Veterans through coordination and integration of local VA and non-VA services Veteran Friendly Communities Initiative working with the Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) and leading federal advisory committees.
VBA Education Service-
http://rly.pt/EducationService
Administers VA's education programs that provide education and training benefits to eligible Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Service members, Veterans, and dependents.
Student Veterans of America-
http://rly.pt/SVA
Since 2008, Student Veterans of America has worked to inspire tomorrow’s leaders. With a community network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA is committed to transforming the current skills and experience of student veterans. Every day, these dedicated chapter leaders work to ensure that yesterday’s warriors have the resources at hand to succeed in their academic journey and beyond.
USDA-
USDA wants to ensure that veterans looking to return home, or start a new career on a farm or in a rural community have the tools and opportunities you need to succeed.
USDA’s veterans website serves as a one-stop navigator for veterans looking to learn more about employment, education, and entrepreneurship on or beyond the farm.
Easterseals -
Easterseals makes profound, positive differences in the daily lives of people of all ages with disabilities, special needs, military backgrounds and their families. Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network (VSN) connects veterans and military spouses to employers using a veteran staffing agency model. We work with employers to fill temp-to perm, contract, and direct-hire positions.
Service to School-
Service to School (S2S) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides free college and grad school application counseling to military veterans and servicemembers.
Our goal is to help veterans gain admission to the best college for them while empowering each veteran to make informed decisions about their education.
RallyPoint Answers and Discussion Conduct: https://rly.pt/33ySsg0
Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Student Veterans of America (SVA)
Education
Bachelors Degree
GI Bill
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Student Veterans of America (SVA) Education Bachelors Degree GI Bill
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 130
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I have used my gi bill. Would I still be able to go back to school under some type of program?
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PFC Marland Chang
Look into VR&E, chapter 31, https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/eligibility/
Eligibility for Veteran Readiness and Employment | Veterans Affairs
Review Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) eligibility requirements for Veterans and active-duty service members. If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability, you may be eligible for employment support services.
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SPC Ruthven Mereigh
Do you know of any free counseling program for Vets who wants to get trained? e.g Syracruse university have one?
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PFC Marland Chang
Also check out benefits by State
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/76439/veterans-benefits-2020-popular-state-benefit/
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/76439/veterans-benefits-2020-popular-state-benefit/
Veterans benefits 2020: Most popular state benefit - VAntage Point
VA worked with state representatives to compile a list of the most popular state benefit for Veterans, part of a five part series.
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MSgt Jennifer Lemon
SPC Ruthven Mereigh - Check with your area Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program. There are over 70 across the nation who provide these education services at no cost. Typically a university will host the grant but the veteran can attend any school, program, or location and still receive assistance. If you are in Oklahoma you can call the STRIPES-VUB office at [login to see] . Other states can find local VUB programs at https://www.navub.org/
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Good afternoon everyone, my name is Bill Ashton. I'm a retired Navy guy. I currently work at the Department of Agriculture and I am the Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
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PO3 Robert Davis
I have 3 questions. I am using my Post 9/11 education benefits in Hawaii. I am an IT student at 2 year community college planning to transfer to 4 year university in Hawaii.
The 3 questions.
1. I recieved an email from VA an extend delimiting dates to GI bill programs due to Covid 19. I was in school at this time and camus closed and went to remote online class for the remainder and our finals. If I applied for this how long would they extend the delimiting date for school? My beneifts expire September 2022. I am in last semester fall and I should graudate with AS in Information Technology.
2. I want to continue my IT education after AS IT degree 2 year what options do I have to extend my education benefits to finish my 2 years for a undergraduate degree in Information Technology in Hawaii at the Univeristy of Hawaii. Edith Norse Rogers Stem Scholarship? Is it an option for undergraduate degree in Information Technology to finish school under VA?
3. Last question the VET TEC program is this a good option for me as a Veteran who wants to get into Information Technology? What I read about the program its new, and when I looked at schools in Hawaii there were no programs on the list of schools for Hawaii. Accepted into a program by a VA-approved training provider none in Hawaii.
The 3 questions.
1. I recieved an email from VA an extend delimiting dates to GI bill programs due to Covid 19. I was in school at this time and camus closed and went to remote online class for the remainder and our finals. If I applied for this how long would they extend the delimiting date for school? My beneifts expire September 2022. I am in last semester fall and I should graudate with AS in Information Technology.
2. I want to continue my IT education after AS IT degree 2 year what options do I have to extend my education benefits to finish my 2 years for a undergraduate degree in Information Technology in Hawaii at the Univeristy of Hawaii. Edith Norse Rogers Stem Scholarship? Is it an option for undergraduate degree in Information Technology to finish school under VA?
3. Last question the VET TEC program is this a good option for me as a Veteran who wants to get into Information Technology? What I read about the program its new, and when I looked at schools in Hawaii there were no programs on the list of schools for Hawaii. Accepted into a program by a VA-approved training provider none in Hawaii.
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Charmain Bogue
1. Contact at the 1800-GIBIll-1 hotline and we can give your more details about your case.
2. You may be eligible for STEM scholarship program considering you are in an undergraduate degree IT program. Apply online so we can give you an official determination.
3. VET TEC is a five year pilot program. It is a great option for individuals interested in a short certification program focused on the IT field and the VA training provider assist with employment. Apply online to determine if you are eligible. Spots are limited based on the availability of funding.
2. You may be eligible for STEM scholarship program considering you are in an undergraduate degree IT program. Apply online so we can give you an official determination.
3. VET TEC is a five year pilot program. It is a great option for individuals interested in a short certification program focused on the IT field and the VA training provider assist with employment. Apply online to determine if you are eligible. Spots are limited based on the availability of funding.
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PO3 Robert Davis
Charmain Bogue - Thank you for your answers to my question I greatly appreciate it!
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PFC David Mann
Hello and thank you for your service and continued participation with the military community.
I have never used any if my education benefits. I have taken several semesters in my own but I can no longer afford to continue in my own.
I have been out since 1989 and I had to work to support my family until I was disabled in 2012.
I feel that I could reenter the q workforce if I could be trained in another feild.
I am in the process of purchasing 10 acres in Mississippi. I have the dam side of an 8-10 acre Lake, 3-4 acres of relatively flat grassland and sections of pine forests.
I am interested in Ag programs and I am also open to allowing Vets the ability to try their hand at various art related activities, hunt, fish, and/or camp in a safe controlled environment. I know programs exsist but as I traveled the US for the past year I was unable to join in any activity as I never heard back from any of these groups. I could have really used the support and never got it. Now I will be able to offer a safe place to hang out.
I understand I have gone on a tangent but it was to help explain what I want to offer and also the type of education that I will need to make this a reality.
My wife and I are close to completing an AS in arts (different majors) and I would like to add some AG type classes along with business management.
With some help I can learn enough to turn a dream into a reality.
How do I get started?
Thanks,
Dave Mann
I have never used any if my education benefits. I have taken several semesters in my own but I can no longer afford to continue in my own.
I have been out since 1989 and I had to work to support my family until I was disabled in 2012.
I feel that I could reenter the q workforce if I could be trained in another feild.
I am in the process of purchasing 10 acres in Mississippi. I have the dam side of an 8-10 acre Lake, 3-4 acres of relatively flat grassland and sections of pine forests.
I am interested in Ag programs and I am also open to allowing Vets the ability to try their hand at various art related activities, hunt, fish, and/or camp in a safe controlled environment. I know programs exsist but as I traveled the US for the past year I was unable to join in any activity as I never heard back from any of these groups. I could have really used the support and never got it. Now I will be able to offer a safe place to hang out.
I understand I have gone on a tangent but it was to help explain what I want to offer and also the type of education that I will need to make this a reality.
My wife and I are close to completing an AS in arts (different majors) and I would like to add some AG type classes along with business management.
With some help I can learn enough to turn a dream into a reality.
How do I get started?
Thanks,
Dave Mann
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Please sign up for #VetResources Newsletter to receive information on resources for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. https://www.va.gov/VetResources/
Review all previous newsletters at: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/vetresources/
Review all previous newsletters at: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/vetresources/
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Thank you all for joining this important Q&A. With all the uncertainty around what to expect on campus this fall with social distancing, remote learning, etc., are there specific resources, alerts, or other information that you offer veterans who are concerned that their education will be disrupted?
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MSgt Jennifer Lemon
Several campuses have veteran specific TRiO programs that provide this kind of assistance. Of they do not have a veteran specific program they should still have a TRiO program for the entire student population.
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Charmain Bogue
Thank you for joining, your question, and more importantly your service to our country. We are working hard to keep you all updated on the COVID-19 in the space of Education. Please follow up on Facebook, Twitter and review our FAQs. https://www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/
Coronavirus FAQs: What Veterans need to know | Veterans Affairs
Get answers to VA related Veteran questions about the coronavirus, your VA health appointments, health facility questions, and what Veterans and family members need to know.
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SGT Lauren Augustine
Thank you for the opportunity to engage on such an important topic. SVA is gearing up to host two virtual Regional Summits in September. Regional Summits provide the tools, techniques, and tactics needed for student veterans to manage a successful and sustainable student organization. You can find more information here: https://summits.studentveterans.org/
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CPT Christine Schwartz
Service to School provides free, virtual mentorship to veterans who are in the process of applying to college or graduate school. Vets can get one on one feedback, have access to guidebooks, and lots of other free/virtual resources if they sign up on our website!https://service2school.org/
We are doing our best to produce more information content regarding this year. https://service2school.org/podcasts/
We are doing our best to produce more information content regarding this year. https://service2school.org/podcasts/
Home - Service to School - Free Application Counseling to Military Veterans
Our goal is to help veterans gain admission to the best universities possible and to help them maximize their education benefits.
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Thank you for joining us today! We will do our best to get to all of your questions today. If you want to speak to a live agent please use these call lines.
White House VA Hotline [login to see]
Veterans Crisis Line [login to see] (Press 1) or send text to 838255
View the VA Welcome Kit and Quick Start Guides: https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
White House VA Hotline [login to see]
Veterans Crisis Line [login to see] (Press 1) or send text to 838255
View the VA Welcome Kit and Quick Start Guides: https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
Print out your VA Welcome Kit | Veterans Affairs
Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.
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I’m a totally and permanently Disabled Veteran since 2011. I have a 10 year old daughter. Can I give her my GI Bill benefits??
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MSG Alan Purdie
Veterans can not transfer their GI Bill to anyone - you must be on active duty or actively drilling with a guard or reserve unit and meet all the other qualifications to transfer GI Bill.
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Charmain Bogue
Thank you for the question. There is the Chapter 35, Survivors' and Dependents' Education Program. Please use the following link - https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/ to learn more about the program and how to register your dependents. Thank you for your Service.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance | Veterans Affairs
Find out if you're eligible for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program for children and spouses of Veterans who have died or been disabled. View current payment rates for college degree programs, career-training certificate courses, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
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PFC Marland Chang
Yes and here is how.
https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/
https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/
VA education benefits for survivors and dependents | Veterans Affairs
Find out if you're eligible and how to apply for GI Bill and other VA education benefits for dependents and survivors. You can also compare the benefits offered through the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program and the Fry Scholarship.
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Your military experience/can be
directly translatable to jobs at USDA, such as:
• Criminal Justice
• Soil Conservationist Technician
• Contracting and Procurement
• Information Technology
• Food Inspection and Public Health
• Smoke Jumper
• Finance
• Economists
directly translatable to jobs at USDA, such as:
• Criminal Justice
• Soil Conservationist Technician
• Contracting and Procurement
• Information Technology
• Food Inspection and Public Health
• Smoke Jumper
• Finance
• Economists
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SPC Amber Weidenbach
I was a bridge crew member,12C. Now I am a surveyor apprentice, does the USDA employ surveyors?
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LCDR Bill Ashton
SPC Amber Weidenbach - SPC Weidenbach, please contact Mr. Monshi (Ram) Ramdass at [login to see] he will be able to assist you.
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I have used my gi bill, would I be able to go back to school using another program
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SPC Shay Walker
chooseyoureducationbenefits.pdf
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LT (Join to see)
Not a degree but Syracuse University will help with many professional certifications - FREE for veterans. https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/learning-pathways/?q=/programs/career-training/concentrations/&
Learning Pathways - Institute for Veterans and Military Families
Onward to Opportunity (O2O) is a no-cost industry-focused and validated career skills program that connects transitioning service members and active duty military spouses to high-demand careers in Customer Service Excellence, Information Technology, and Business Management. Training is designed to meet the needs of private sector partners to help bridge the gap between the military-connect population and skills the employers are seeking.
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MSgt Jennifer Lemon
Check with your area Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program. There are over 70 across the nation who provide these education services at no cost. Typically a university will host the grant but the veteran can attend any school, program, or location and still receive assistance. If you are in Oklahoma you can call the STRIPES-VUB office at [login to see] . Other states can find local VUB programs at https://www.navub.org/
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Charmain Bogue
Thanks for your question and your service to our country. Please follow up with your State Veteran Affairs Office each state often offers additional education support to veteran residents. Also, Individuals may qualify for more than one education benefit if they have additional qualifying service periods. However, you may not receive more than 48 months of entitlement under 2 or more benefit programs. In order to verify eligibility for additional programs you will need to submit a formal application for Education Benefits https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/ or the VR&E (Veteran Readiness, and Employment) program https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/how-to-apply/.
How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits | Veterans Affairs
Find out how to apply for the GI Bill and other VA education benefits as a Veteran, service member, or qualified family member. You can apply online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional.
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That's very nice. I have found your thread very useful. That's good and I love to read these type of threads.
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