Military spouse career advancement accounts

As former President George W. Bush proclaimed May 9th, 2007 as Military Spouse Day of that year, he included the following within his proclamation:

"Spouses may endure long periods of separation and frequent relocations, and they often set aside their own personal and professional ambitions for the benefit of their family and the Nation." - Former President George W. Bush

Unfortunate but true, military spouses often sacrifice their own personal, professional, and educational goals. Constant moving, part-time single-parenting, and a lack of finances are just a few reasons why these desires get put on hold. Priorities dealing with family and home almost always take precedence and a spouse's goals seem to be the last item on a massive, never-ending To Do list. But if a military spouse knows anything it is that NOTHING is impossible.

Now, a program called Military Spouse Career Achievement Accounts (MyCAA) makes getting an education financially possible. The program provides financial assistance to military spouses pursuing degrees, licenses and certifications, or credentials in transferable career fields (i.e. business, nursing). Military OneSource has all the scoop, but here is some information on the MyCAA program:

Spouses of active duty service members as well as spouses of active National Guard members and Reservists are eligible. However, spouses who are active duty or belong to the National Guard or Reserves themselves are ineligible. In addition, a spouse cannot be legally separated from his or her service member to be eligible for the program. Further details on eligibility requirements can be found at Military OneSource or directly at the MyCAA website.

Military spouses can receive up to $6,000 in financial aid towards a degree, license or certification, or credentials in a transferable career field.

MyCAA pays for educaton such as tuition, training programs, licensing and credentialing fees, and continuing education courses. The program does not cover associated educational costs such as computers, parking fees, application fees, etc.

Once a spouse creates an account on the MyCAA website, the spouse will need to develop a Career and Training plan. This plan includes the school of which the spouse plans on attending, area of study, and courses the area includes. Once completed, the Career and Training plan will be sent for approval. Spouses who are approved for the MyCAA progam receive vouchers on a course by course basis to aid in educational costs

So for those military spouses who dream of getting a higher education, check out the information that Military OneSource provides on the MyCAA program, or visit the Military spouse career advancement accounts website directly. This program was created to make spouses feel appreciated for all of the sacrifices that are made, and getting an education is one way spouses can give back to themselves for all the hardwork.

Local colleges and universities, such as Tidewater Community College and Norfolk's Old Dominion University, are more than happy to accomodate the hectic schedule that is the military lifestyle. In addition, spouses should highly consider getting their education online from places like the University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix is the number one ranked online school, provides a great discount on tuition for military spouses, and provides the flexibility and portability military spouses are looking for.

 

For more info: Visit www.scholarships.com and www.fastweb.com to find other ways to finance a college education!