Written by / Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
MAE 2010 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 (March)
Lynchburg Va.-area colleges have received a major increase in funding through Pell Grants, federal monetary awards offered to low-income students. From 2009 to 2010, Liberty University received about $35.9 million for 13,129 students, realizing a $12.5 million increase. At Lynchburg College, about 600 students received $2.2 million worth of aid in 2009, up from 501 students who received $1.5 million in aid the year before.
In 2007, Congress increased the amount of money available for the Pell Grant by passing the College Cost and Reduction Act. The law increased the Pell Grant’s maximum available amount, and changed the eligibility requirements, allowing more students to qualify for the award.
“Students should be challenged in the classroom, not in the financial aid office,” Senator Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) remarked shortly after the law was passed. “That’s why I am pleased by Congress’ new commitment to help students overcome tuition hurdles so they can receive a higher education and compete in today’s global economy.”
Education Funds Available for Senior Enlisted Sailors
The Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) is seeking applicants for the FY10 Advanced Education Voucher (AEV) program, providing advanced education opportunities for top performing Chief and Senior Chief Petty Officers. The AEV offers financial assistance to selected senior enlisted personnel (E7-E8) to complete postsecondary, Navy-relevant degrees through off-duty education.
Tom Smith, enlisted education coordinator at NETC, said the educational program was one of the most significant in the military. “The senior enlisted members accepted into this program will further develop and hone the knowledge and skills necessary to lead our Navy in the future,” he observed. “The AEV program gives them the opportunity to get a degree from a university without having to worry about finances, as it pays for 100 percent of tuition, books and fees up to a specified limit.”
The program will fund bachelor’s and master’s degree completion in designated, Navy-relevant areas of study. Examples include: strategic foreign languages, construction management, emergency and disaster management, homeland defense and security, human resources, business administration, leadership and management, engineering, information technology, nursing, business administration, education and training management, and electronic technology. All degrees, including any not listed above, must be approved by the AEV program coordinator at NETC to validate Navy relevance.
Eligible applicants include E7s with no more than 16 years of time in service, and E8s with no more than 18 years of time in service. Time in service for all pay grades is computed to October 1, 2010. Proven superior performers with continued upward mobility are encouraged to apply.
The AEV program is a supporting element of the Enlisted Learning and Development Strategy, which includes postsecondary education as an integral part of the career roadmap for each rating career track. Additional information about the program may be viewed at http://www.nko.navy.mil. For more information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/.
Penn State Campaign Targets Military and Veteran Students
Pennsylvania State University (PSU), which offers a grant-in-aid and other financial aid to military students, will launch a University-wide capital campaign called, For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students, which is slated to begin in April. One of the aims of the campaign is to seek funds to help military and veteran students.
“The current economic climate is challenging for all adult learners, but it’s especially so for military servicemembers and veterans,” remarked Wayne D. Smutz, executive director of Penn State World Campus and associate vice president for academic outreach. “Many have access to government benefits, but they don’t cover all education expenses. That’s why Penn State is actively pursuing military scholarships and other financial aid programs for these students.”
In 2008 and 2009, more than 2,600 servicemembers and veterans enrolled in online courses at PSU, and 2,033 veterans enrolled in courses at the university’s campuses. Specializing in adult online education, Penn State World Campus delivers more than 60 of the university’s graduate, undergraduate and professional education programs.
“In spite of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which is a very good benefit, we always have veterans whose benefits have expired or who have needs that go beyond the traditional sources of financial aid,” pointed out Brian Clark, PSU’s director of veterans programs.
Braive Funds to Support Military Veteran Programs
The University of North Florida (UNF) received over $217,000 from the Florida Braive Fund at the Community Foundation in Jacksonville to establish a set of programs and services that remove unique barriers to success facing student veterans and their families.
The gift will allow UNF (in partnership with the city of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs, Veterans and Disability Services, the Jacksonville Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Naval Hospital Jacksonville and The Wounded Warrior Project) to collaborate in delivering a personal approach to veteran support, which will help ensure the successful integration of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans into campus life and facilitate academic success, graduation and eventual employment.
“I am very excited to be a part of this initiative because it not only honors the service of our military and veteran students, but it provides a comprehensive support model that seeks to ensure their successful integration to campus life, academic success, retention and graduation,” remarked Cynthia Alderson, director of UNF’s Military and Veteran Programs and Services.
About 240,000 Florida servicemembers have been deployed since 9/11 and have become eligible to attend college through the new GI Bill. Approximately 650 active duty military and veteran students are presently enrolled at the university. ♦