Educational Opportunities for Wounded Warriors

The transition from active duty to civilian life can be bumpy, if not arduous, for our nation's servicemembers. Those who come home wounded must face additional challenges, both physical and mental. Once the dust has settled, however, veterans must consider taking the next step in their life. For many, that means a return to school and an opportunity to pursue a new career path.

Earning an advanced degree can bring tangible benefits. Over their working lifetime, individuals with a bachelor's degree earn an average of 84 percent more than those with just a high school diploma, according to a 2011 study by the Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce. That was up from 75 percent in 1999.

Servicemembers may initially be deterred from pursuing an education because of concerns over paying for tuition, books, housing and other expenses. They may also have to overcome factors such as differences in life experience and age between traditional students and veterans.

However, there are numerous options available at many top-ranked colleges and universities nationwide, including undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered online. With 24/7 access, online degree and executive certificate programs provide students with flexibility in terms of when and where they study. Wounded veterans, in particular, may benefit from distance learning, which can lower obstacles related to physical disabilities, medical treatment, transportation and other factors.

Recent changes to the post-9/11 GI Bill mean that qualified servicemembers who are taking only online courses can receive a housing allowance. The bill's benefits also include a $1,000 annual book stipend and reimbursement for college admission tests such as the SAT.

In addition to the GI Bill, there are numerous other tuition assistance and vocational rehabilitation programs available for wounded warriors and other returning servicemembers. Those resources include:

• The Severely Injured Military Veterans: Fulfilling Their Dreams program offers guidance and support to wounded veterans who want to get an education and a new career. The program, which was created by the American Council on Education, starts while servicemembers are still recuperating at a military hospital.
• A wealth of resources is available on the U.S. Army's Warrior Transition Command website for soldiers seeking to pursue an education, training or professional certifications and licensures. There is also guidance on how to receive assistance through the various versions of the GI Bill.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Yellow Ribbon Program is a benefits assistance program that allows participating degree-granting colleges and universities to provide tuition assistance to veterans who meet certain eligibility requirements. The program helps pay tuition costs and other fees exceeding the GI Bill's cap for private or out-of-state institutions.

• The VA's VetSuccess Program helps veterans with service-related disabilities to find and retain employment. That can include resume development, apprenticeships, on-the-job training and training at a technical or business school. The program also provides counseling, medical referrals and independent living services for disabled veterans who are unable to work.
  
• Part of the federal VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) provides up to one year of assistance to unemployed veterans who meet certain eligibility requirements. Participants must be enrolled in education programs targeting high-demand occupations.

  The VOW, or Veterans Opportunity to Work, website also includes information about other VA resources, including the Disabled Transition Assistance Program, which helps servicemembers understand how their military experience and training may prepare them for a civilian job.

• Student Veterans of America, which was formed in 2008, has about 500 chapters on campuses worldwide. The nonprofit organization's mission is, “To provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.” That can include networking opportunities, financial assistance for student veterans serving internships and various scholarships. Many colleges and universities also provide veteran-related services directly, including counseling and job training.

These are just a sampling of the programs available to wounded warriors and other returning servicemembers who want to pursue an education or vocational training. As with any undertaking, it's important to verify the authenticity of organizations and programs, and determine any eligibility requirements. The VA is a good starting point for prospective students looking to conduct such research.