ANNVILLE, PA — As the new school year approaches, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is stepping up to support the educational aspirations of children of veterans through its Educational Gratuity Program. This initiative provides financial aid to children of honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities who served during periods of war or armed conflict, as well as to children of veterans who died in service.
“The Educational Gratuity Program provides financial support for higher education to children of eligible veterans who have made incredible sacrifices for our nation,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “This program allows us to give back to the families who have endured the sacrifices of their loved ones who served. We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply for this program now as we are approaching the school year.”
The program is not limited to traditional colleges; it also applies to trade schools across the Commonwealth. “These educational gratuity payments will add up over time and can really make a difference for the children of those who served, no matter which schooling path they choose to pursue,” added Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, deputy adjutant general of Veterans Affairs.
Eligibility for the Educational Gratuity Program extends to children of veterans who were discharged under honorable conditions and have a 100% permanent service-connected disability. It also includes children of veterans who died in service during a period of war or armed conflict. The criteria stipulate that the eligible child must be between the ages of 16 and 23, must have resided in Pennsylvania for five years prior to application, and must attend a school within the state. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate financial need.
The financial assistance provided through this program is substantial but capped. Payments will not exceed $500 per term or semester for each approved student, and are available for a total of eight terms or semesters.
To apply for this valuable financial aid, eligible individuals should contact the County Director of Veterans Affairs in their respective counties. This straightforward step can open doors to opportunities that ease the financial burden of higher education for the families of those who have served the nation.
This initiative by the DMVA aims to support the educational goals of its veterans’ families in Pennsylvania. By providing this financial assistance, the state ensures that the sacrifices made by veterans and their families are acknowledged and rewarded.
For more details and to begin the application process, reach out to your local County Director of Veterans Affairs. The start of the school year is imminent, making timely application crucial for those who wish to benefit from this program.
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