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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Charmain Bogue
Yes, individuals are allowed to attend Non-College Degree programs utilizing their education benefits. Please use our GI Bill Comparison Tool in order to verify if the school you are trying to pursue is VA approved at https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool/
Use our GI Bill Comparison Tool to help you decide which education program and school is best for you. Find out which benefits you’ll get at your chosen school.
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MSG Alan Purdie
Probably not - the GI Bill you had would have expired 10 years after you left the service. Some colleges will offer special rates or free classes to those over age 60
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MSgt Jennifer Lemon
Check with your area Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program. I have a 70 year old client we are working with right now. 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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Maj Kim Patterson
LCpl Kevin B. Downs if you are over 60, many schools allow you to audit classes for free. I live in KS and just signed up for 1 to test the waters myself. Since so many are now on Zoom or on line, this might be a possible option for you
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Ive been wanting to start college but unsure of what program to select (GI or 9/11) I was told that they were in the process of allowing both to be used for a veteran with 100% T&P. Is this true and if so when will it go into affect. Also if we elect for one program before it gets passed will we get grandfathered in?
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MSG Alan Purdie
There is no pending changes to allow 100% P&T veterans to use both GI Bill. Your disability rating has no bearing on your GI Bill. You have 10 years from last day on active duty to use MGIB. If you separated prior to 1 Jan 2013, you have 15 years to use your Post 9/11 GI Bill. If you separated on/after 1 Jan 2013, you have forever to use your Post 9/11 GI Bill.
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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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my question is that for a person whose GI bill has expired (since its been over 20 years without using), is there any financial assistance for the veteran and if so, what would i need to do to apply?
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Charmain Bogue
Thanks for your question and most importantly, your service to our country. Please check with your State Veteran Affairs Office as each state offers additional education support to veteran residents.
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MSG Alan Purdie
Only if you are Active Duty or actively drilling with a Guard or Reserve unit and meet all the other qualifications. If you are a veteran, no you can not.
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Charmain Bogue
Transfer of Entitlement is a Department of Defense program and they determine eligibility for the program. VA only administers the benefit. You will need to follow up with your service department regarding your commitment and the ability to transfer entitlement to your dependents. Please visit the follow link to learn more. https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/
Transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits | Veterans Affairs
Find out if you can transfer any of your unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (sometimes called a
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Hi, I am in Nursing school and I'm using Vocational Rehabilitation. Is there other funding I could apply for on top of that. I'm still working full time at the VA, but I need to work to pay my bills. I don't get enough Stipend to pay my bills.
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PFC Marland Chang
A[Èûæò!6·ÙFäÏÅÒÙ.Â?`Ù6õÅú»áuOBÚ*rÙêO»ÝÑ1{·üÕÒvÇÒ1Ïé:_NÇR!íjÝð& ÎßÑÝ]Ó~áQl¶í]K`vú#rZë4+Ï¡6:Õõ2ÔH Gµ{ðVëgüCÜûê¶ÉTOæþëÐ*ÏÓÚFrÈmjëö;:g5«¶å?wÚ êÔU¶¶È¶i-nmûÞÒInCNCÆLÁLç&íúM/l§uæ==Çz ù.hY+éXÐd9üN$veÚÌ'8UVyØföLÔ*-p8tÚIÉæ»TxÊUnØ"DLGå¿NteÙÇtmªTM'Q:ãÖt"@)K1Ê:-~Ó.D-ÑvQÝçpqiv,ÓvrɶÁ#tr:bßeÚr2 R[èÐ"MØÒñRuZÅÍBª,BÿÕÓCR+2âc@ZÁãÓTÊmØ];{,YgÕbØÕ6ÂEYoDCBº6*OËpU{+$§FþÓ/z`Våý9Söý»·þe*ËßÍéçâw*ÿýgDcÎL¿{«éUí~]}ÈTùñ]A?æÕ:sìGþ_:þÑwíÁôGa71;bìVVã|4v:Ñc«DLØöeíìÓîØ\ºÃ.¡...
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PFC Marland Chang
Look into the VA Work study program. Its tax free but pays minimum wage.
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/work-study/
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/work-study/
Find out how our Veterans work-study program can help you earn money while you're enrolled in a college, vocational, or professional training program. You'll earn an hourly minimum wage for working at a nearby VA facility or in a VA-related role at your school.
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Honorable discharge in 1995, used GI bill 1999. Can I still use it or are there other programs for vets to continue schooling specifically for nursing LVN to RN? Thank you
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PO1 Michael Watson
Doc Contreras
Wow have not seen you in a month of Sundays its me HM1 Watson. Sorry I do not have any info about the "Licensed Vocational Nurses program to RN. However I do know a Retired Chief Gunther Senior Chief Radiology Tech. now the Chaplain for the Fleet Reserve Association in Maryland. You should know Retired Paul Gunther can be contacted on linkedIn without you having to join linkedIn. He has a Premium account. Great to know you are still alive. God Bless. RET HM1 FMF AW USN 1982-2004.
Wow have not seen you in a month of Sundays its me HM1 Watson. Sorry I do not have any info about the "Licensed Vocational Nurses program to RN. However I do know a Retired Chief Gunther Senior Chief Radiology Tech. now the Chaplain for the Fleet Reserve Association in Maryland. You should know Retired Paul Gunther can be contacted on linkedIn without you having to join linkedIn. He has a Premium account. Great to know you are still alive. God Bless. RET HM1 FMF AW USN 1982-2004.
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Charmain Bogue
Thank you for the question and thank you for your Service. Based on the information you have provided, it appears you may have passed your delimiting date of 10 years for either VEAP or MGIB programs. Please check with your State Veteran Affairs Office as each state offers additional education support to veteran residents.
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PO2 David Contreras
PO1 Michael Watson
Hi HM1 thank you for responding so quickly. Admittedly I have to say that my memory is not my friend today, I am better with faces than with names. We served together?
Hi HM1 thank you for responding so quickly. Admittedly I have to say that my memory is not my friend today, I am better with faces than with names. We served together?
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I used up my GI bill and have out of the military for 10 yrs with a 90% disability rating from the VA. Is there any program I can use to get some training to start a business.
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MSG Alan Purdie
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
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I am a Vietnam Era Veteran (Nuclear Trained Submariner). I spent a career as a nuclear utility classroom and simulator instructor and procedure writer. I am a police academy graduate and former reserve police officer. I resigned from Walmart this week to look for teaching or technical work. I am a Gold Star Dad and author of a book on Amazon: Raising Cannon Fodder:Gold Star Dad. I want to go to college to get a degree and teaching certificate. I used some GI college benefits in 1977-1979. The questions: Can I get GI benefits for college? Am I wasting my time going to college? Am I wasting time trying to seek a technical or teaching job? I am 70 years old and in good health. In spite of what the law says, age discrimination does exist (I have not and will not press the age issue.)
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Maj Kim Patterson
PO1 Ardith Dressler I am “auditing” a class starting in October. If you are over 60, many schools allow you to audit classes. I’m going through Wichita State University in KS. They had me signed up in no time, no cost.
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I didn't get the GI Bill when I enlisted. Can I still get benefits for going to school?
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Charmain Bogue
Based on your question, I recommend you apply for education benefits to receive a formal determination on eligibility. Please use the following link to help in that process - https://www.va.gov/education/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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