Is Tuition Assistance Available For Military Spouses
MyCAA, the My Career Advancement Account scholarship, provides military spouses up to $4,000 toward tuition for a license, certification, or associate degree in a variety of fields. Programs approved for funding through the MyCAA program must lead to high-demand, high-growth portable careers.
Spouses must work with their chosen training organization to develop an Education Training Plan, or ETP, to submit to MyCAA for approval. In order for an ETP to be approved by MyCAA, it must support the candidates career goal as stated in their MyCAA account.
Career Training For Military Members & Their Spouses
At CareerStep, we stand ready to serve you. We know how hard you work to provide for your family, and we understand the unique challenges that come with military life. Thats why most of our training programs are fast, portable, and eligible for military education grantsoften covering up to 100% of your cost.
Can I Use Mycaa If I Already Have A Degree
MyCAA does not cover bachelors, masters, or doctorate degrees, so you could not use it to continue in the same line of education you have already completed. But a course being taken for a masters degree or doctorate may be covered if the course earns a credential necessary for employment.
If you already have a degree and are not using it, or if you are looking to change your career into a field of research and study that is covered by MyCAA, you may qualify for the scholarship.
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Who Will Not Be Eligible
- Those spouses who are divorced will not be considered. For example, when the spouses are married and separated by the court, they become ineligible for the MYCAA program.
- Those spouses that are on the title 10 orders cannot apply for the MYCAA program.
- Those spouses cannot apply for financial assistance before their separation date from the military.
What Mycaa Pays For:
MyCAA will pay for your tuition for:
- Associates degrees
- Obtaining a license
- Obtaining a certificate or certification
- As of January 2020, you can now pursue any occupation or career and are no longer limited to defined fields or careers.
- An approved testing organization that expands employment or portable career opportunities for military spouses.
- Under the FY2001 NDAA, it can now be used at any approved institution to help with the cost of national tests for course credits required for a degree approved under the program. This includes the College Level Examination Program tests.
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What Will Mycaa Pay For
The MyCAA Scholarship pays tuition costs for education and training courses and examinations leading to an associate degree . The scholarship also covers the costs for obtaining a license, certificate or certification at an accredited college, university or technical school in the United States or approved testing organization that expands employment or portable career opportunities for military spouses.
MyCAA Will Not Pay For:
What Kind Of Assistance Does Mycaa Provide
MyCAA provides a maximum education benefit of up to $4,000 with an annual fiscal year cap of $2,000 to assist eligible military spouses in acquiring the professional credentials needed to meet their Portable Career goal. Annual cap waivers are available if there is an upfront tuition cost that exceeds $2,000 .
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Youve Got Lots Ofoptions
MyCAA money can go toward licensing, certification or anassociate degree in a portable career field. You can choose from more than 170 approved careertracks at 2,500+institutions or talk to a SECO career coach to get another programapproved.
Youll be amazed at the range of options available to you everything from nursing and K-12 teaching to photography, web development andmedical billing. Whether you want to spin your current career into somethingportable, update your credentials or begin a new pursuit, you can use MyCAAfunds to support your goals.
What Will The Mycaa Scholarship Pay For
The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship pays tuition costs for education and training courses and examinations leading to an associate degree . The scholarship also covers the costs for obtaining a license, certificate or certification at an accredited college, university or technical school in the United States or approved testing organization that expands employment or portable career opportunities for military spouses.
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Mycaa Eligibility & Benefits
Unfortunately, the MyCAA program is not open to every military spouse. It is only open to spouses of active-duty service members who are in the pay grades of E-1 through E-5, W-1 and W-2, and O-1 and O-2. Spouses of activated National Guard members and reservists are also eligible for the program, provided the service member is on Title 10 orders. The sponsored spouse must finish their courses before the service member is off Title 10 military orders.
Note: The FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act extended eligibility to include Coast Guard spouses .
Here are some key points to the program:
- $4,000 maximum benefit: MyCAA participants are eligible to receive up to $4,000 in tuition assistance benefits, with a maximum of $2,000 per fiscal year.
- Eligible programs for study: Previously, participants were eligible to receive benefits for associate degrees, certifications and licensures. While the 2020 NDAA eliminated restrictions on which fields and career types are eligible, the benefits can not be applied to advanced degrees or the completion of a bachelors degree.
- Time limits: The student must complete their associate degree program within one year from the start date and certificate programs within 18 months. Extensions are possible, and it is recommended to contact your MyCAA POC with questions.
My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program
The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or Associates degree in a portable career field and occupation.
- Who is eligible to participate in the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program
- What the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship funding does and does not pay for
- How to establish a My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program account
- How to provide feedback to the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program
- How to get additional information and assistance
Having trouble using the MyCAA Spouse Portal? Contact the MyCAA HELP DESK for technical assistance by sending an email to:
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Over 380000 Military Spouses Were Eligible For The Mycaa Scholarship Between October 2010 And December 2011
- Eligible spouses who applied for a MyCAA Scholarship differed in several ways from those who did not apply. For example, spouses more likely to apply had experienced a military move or a deployment, had 2 or more children, were married to enlisted noncommissioned officers, or lived in states with higher unemployment rates.
- All eligible applicants whose study plans met the MyCAA criteria were approved for scholarships, although 19 percent did not end up using any funds.
What Is The Military Spouse Career Advancement Account Program
MyCAA is a career development and employment assistance program designed to help military spouses pursue education that could help them prepare for an in-demand and portable career. Under this program, qualified military spouses will be receiving a grant to help them get education from approved schools like Meditec.
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What Is The Mycaa Scholarship
The My Career Advancement Account, or MyCAA, is a scholarship program sponsored by the Department of Defense. MyCAA provides education benefits for military spouses. Receive up to $4,000 of financial assistance to help pursue career training opportunities. Qualifications include:
- Spouses of active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, or National Guard/ARG service members.
- Service members in pay grades E1-E5, O1-O2, and W1-W2.
- Spouses of National Guard and/or AGR members who are on federal Title 10 active duty orders as reported in DEERS.
How Does Mycaa Work
MyCAA or My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance to eligible military spouses. The scholarship assists military spouses in pursuit of professional licenses, certifications, and degrees that are necessary for the spouse to gain employment in a career field.
Military spouses must create a MyCAA account and speak with an admissions advisor at their desired school to complete an education & training plan and obtain a price quote for the desired course. Once this information is uploaded and approved by Military One Source, funding will be dispersed, and then the military spouse may begin their program.
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Can I Use Mycaa Twice
MyCAA will cover $2,000 of your tuition each year for two years, for a total of $4,000.
If you complete your certification or degree with the help of MyCAA, and then want to change careers again, you will not be eligible to receive coverage from MyCAA a second time. However, if you did not use up all your funds the first time, talk to your career coach to see if you can use the remaining funds with a new Education and Training Plan.
How Do I Get Help With All Of This
You can have an appointment with a SECO Career Counselor to help develop an individual career plan. Make sure to also check out the MyCAA Fact Sheet for more information.
Although this seems a bit complicated, once you figure out more about the program and the steps you have to take to apply, you will find that MyCAA is going to be one of the best ways to find money for college as a military spouse.
To get started with MYCAA, you can call Military One Source at 1-800-342-9647 or visit their website. With these changes, more military spouses should be able to work towards their own careers during military life.
CollegeRecon is a military education and transition resource. We provide online tools and actionable info to better understand your Post-9/11 GI Bill and military and veteran education benefits programs.
Find info on top online degree programs for military using their Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as ways to pay for school such as scholarships for military and veterans. We can also assist you through your transition with certificate, training, and career options after you leave the military.
CollegeRecon is built exclusively for veterans, active military, the National Guard, Reserves, military spouses and dependents of the US Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and DoD to assist in their education journey.
Tools
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Military Spouses May Qualifty For Career Training Scholarships
If you are the spouse of an active-duty service member, you could receive up to $4,000 to start or advance your career in one of todays top fields. The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program helps eligible military spouses pursue the training and nationally recognized certifications needed to secure in-demand, portable jobs in healthcare, business, information technology, and more.
We offer many MyCAA-approved courses that will help you gain the credentials to work remotely or from most cities. You can train 100% online, on your own schedule, and from anywhere. Were here to help you get started.
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Make The Most Of Your Career Training
Here are some of the features included with MyCAAs career training programs.
- Dedicated admissions counselors help you find a training program that best fits your interests.
- Start your training immediately.
- 24/7 access allows you to learn around your busy schedule.
- Earn industry-recognized certifications.
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Career Training Built For Heroes
As part of a military family, your life is exciting and diverse. Its also demanding, both physically and mentally. Theres a particular level of unpredictability that comes with the territory, so it can be difficult to jumpstart a new career. Maybe youve noticed that no matter how enjoyable, the wrong profession could leave you starting over with nearly every deployment or PCS.
Our healthcare and technology training is designed specifically so you can take the first steps towards a career thats in-demand no matter where you and your family are stationed.
Its exceptional. Its affordable. Its built for heroes.
Mycaa Approved Career Fields
Use the MySECO Research Occupations Tool to find in-demand, portable careers in your area or nationwide.
The following career fields have been approved for MyCAA funding:
- Information Technology
- Skilled Trades: In-demand jobs that require certification or other credentials and provide the flexibility necessary for military spouses frequent relocations. Use the MySECO Research Occupations Tool to find in-demand professions in your area or nationwide. The following are approved skilled trades for the MyCAA program. Each program already has approved technical schools and more are being routinely added.
- Aesthetician or Skin Care Specialist
- Mortuary Science
- Translator/Interpreter
- Other training programs listed in the MyCAA approved programs
Note: all career field and skilled trade programs have different additional criteria. Dont be afraid to ask questions of your career coach or Employment Readiness staff.
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How To Sign Up For Mycaa
You will need to register online at: Read the MyCAA Fact Sheet, terms and conditions, and answer the quiz questions. Once you have filled in your profile with the necessary personal information, education/training, and employment history your profile is set up. To log in to your MyCAA profile, you will need to use the DS login that you use to access Tricare.
You can get additional help by contacting a SECO Career Coach through Military One Source, or by contacting one of our government admissions advisors at QuickStart. To contact our advisors, click on the green Schedule a Call button located further above on this web page.
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Anywhere Life Takes You
Obtaining a certification in the current job market is a shortcut to getting a better job faster. Todays employers are looking at certifications as a benchmark of employees knowledge and skills. Your National certification shows them that you are an expert who can successfully perform the key job requirements in your field: anywhere the military life takes you.
- Industry certifications in high-demand, portable fields
- Benchmark recognized by employers all over the US and internationally
- 24-hour online access to all course materials and video
- Course materials & exam prep included
- Live one-on-one mentoring support
- On-demand access to subject matter experts
- Certificate of completion and FREE certification exam
- Engaging courses featuring 12 Elements of eLearning
- Job placement support after your certification
- Online flexibility allows you to work training around your schedule
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Do Military Spouses Get Financial Aid
Financial aid through the MyCAA program is available to military spouses who have successfully completed high school.
The military servicemember must be an active duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, National Guard, or Reserve member on active deployment in pay grades E1E5 or W1W2. A National Guard or AGR member must be on federal Title 10 active duty orders as reported in DEERS for their spouse to be eligible for the funding.
An Early Evaluation Of The Mycaa Scholarship For Military Spouses
Past research shows that compared to spouses of civilians, spouses of military personnel tend to earn less and are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed, even when they have more years of education or more work experience. To mitigate the impact of the demands of military life, in 2007, the Department of Defense established a portfolio of initiatives that provide career development and employment assistance for military spouses. One initiative is the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship, which targets spouses whose service member is early in his or her career. The scholarship provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for spouses pursuing associate degrees, occupational certificates or licenses in portable career fields.
There have been updates to the program. New laws expanded the scholarship, allowing spouses to receive financial assistance to pursue or maintain any occupation or career field, including to pay for continuing education courses. In addition, military spouses will remain eligible for the financial assistance offered through the MyCAA scholarship if their sponsor is promoted above the eligible ranks as long as they already have an approved education and training plan in place. Spouses can now also use MyCAA funds for national tests to earn course credits required for the degree approved under the program, including the College Level Examination Program tests.
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What Is The Mycaa Progam
The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Programis a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or Associates degree in a portable career field and occupation.
My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program Basics:
- Who is eligible to participate in the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program
- What the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship funding does and does not pay for
- How to establish a My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program account
- How to provide feedback to the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program
- How to get additional information and assistance
Train For A Career That Moves With You
If you are the spouse of an active-duty service member, you could receive up to $4,000 to start or advance your career in one of todays top fields. The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program helps eligible military spouses pursue the training and nationally recognized certifications needed to secure in-demand, portable jobs in healthcare, business, information technology, and more.
Loyola Marymount University, LMU Extension offers flexible, 100% online MyCAA-approved programs that will help you gain transferrable skills and credentials to create the future you want! Train on your own schedule, and from anywhere.
Get more information on MyCAA
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
MyCAA Eligibility Requirements
- You must be the spouse of an Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve member on Title 10 orders within the pay grades of E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2.
- You must have completed high school or obtained a GED
How to Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MyCAA Scholarship?
What other benefits does MyCAA offer?
How can I confirm my eligibility for MyCAA?
What is an Education and Training Plan?
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