Educational Options and Deployment Supports
Explore educational options available in your community. Find resources to help your Family through the deployment cycle.
Army Youth Sponsorship Program
The Army Youth Sponsorship program matches your child with a peer to help them transition to a new duty station.
Contact Us
Find contact information and hours for specific SLO programs.
Helping Students Transition from High School to Post-Secondary Opportunities
School Liaison Officers (SLOs) play a vital role in preparing military-connected students for life after high school. Whether students are pursuing college, university, trade school, military careers, or entering the workforce, SLOs provide guidance, resources, and support to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
How SLOs Support Post-Secondary Transitions:
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College and University Preparation: SLOs offer workshops and resources on college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. They guide students thr ough the college application process, including essay writing, standardized testing, and meeting deadlines. SLOs help families understand the financial considerations of higher education, such as FAFSA applications, grants, and military-specific scholarships.
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Trade School and Vocational Training: SLOs provide information on trade schools and vocational programs that align with students’ interests and career goals. They connect students with resourcesto explore certifications and apprenticeships in fields like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
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Military Careers: For students interested in joining the military, SLOs offer guidance on career paths within the armed forces, including ROTC programs, enlistment options, and military academies. They help students understand the requirements, benefits, and opportunities associated with military service.
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Entering the Workforce: SLOs assist students in pr eparing for the workforce by offering workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and professional etiquette. They connect students with local employment resources, internships, and job fairs to help them explore career opportunities.
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Social and Emotional Support: SLOs address the social and emotional aspects of transitioning to post-secondary life, helping students build resilience and confidence as they navigate new environments. They provide resources to help students adapt to the challenges of independence and adulthood.
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Parent Support: SLOs offer workshops for parents to help them understand their role in supporting their child’s transition, including financial planning, emotional support, and navigating post-secondary systems.
Why It Matters:
The transition from high school to post-secondary opportunities is a critical milestone for students. SLOs ensure military-connected students have the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed in their chosen path, whether it’s higher education, vocational training, military service, or entering the workforce. By providing personalized guidance and connecting students with valuable resources, SLOs empower military-connected youth to achieve their goals and thrive in their post-secondary endeavors.
Available scholarship links
Good starting point for many scholarships available to children of military members and retirees. Deadlines and requirements vary so be sure to thoroughly examine the criteria for each scholarship.
Additional Resources
More links, documents, and tools to support your family.
- The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs provides information about Military-Specific and GovernmentAcademic Support G.I. Bill
- The Transferability of Educational Benefits for the Post 9/11 GI Bill are very specific. The Defense Manpower Data Center, through MilConnect will guide you through the transfer process and your eligibility to do so. Speak with an Education Counselor prior to making this election in order to ensure you understand the benefit.
- In-State Tuition Programs for Military: Service-members, active duty for a period of more than 30 days and their dependents are eligible to receive in-state tuition at many public colleges and universities in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed. An enrolled dependent may pay in-state tuition as long as he or she remains continuously enrolled at the institution, even if the service-member is reassigned outside of the state. Regulations outlined in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, 2008 (P.L 110 - 135) and the Higher Education Act of 1965 apply.
Military Dependent Scholarships can be tied to the sponsor’s:
- Branch of service.
- Rank
- Status (Active, Reserve, Fallen, Injured, Disabled)
Scroll to the bottom section of this page for links to various military dependent scholarships.
State supported scholarships for military dependents:
- Many state governments offer valuable scholarships and grants for military personnel and their families. These programs are usually administered through the state’s Department of Higher Education and the Office of Veterans Affairs.
- The availability of these programs will vary widely from state to state.
- Veterans and/or their dependents should contact their states Department of Higher Education, or Office of Veterans Affairs, for details on financial aid programs for which they may be eligible.
- Statewide American Legions and other state based military organizations also are great sources for scholarships.
Installation:
There are many local private organizations who offer scholarships for our community! Check with your school counselor or School Liaison Officer for local scholarship options.
GI Bill for Dependents
Post 911 GI Bill Overview
GI Bill Website
Grant/Loan/Scholarship Search Engines
Fast Web
FINAID
College Net’s Scholarship Database
Sallie Mae: Comprehensive source of information about paying for college, including its free online scholarship service (CASHE)
200 Free Scholarships for Minorities
25 Scholarship Gateways from Black Excel
Scholarships on the Net (1,500 links)
$2,000 no essay scholarship.
Saving for College
A 529 plan is an education savings plan operated by a state or educational institution designed to help families seta side funds for future college costs. There are some tax benefits.
Pre-Paid 529 A prepaid plan is a program that allows you to pay money now to be used for future college expenses. Prepaid plans come in several forms, and in comparing plans you will find many differences. For example, some prepaid plans cover tuition and fees only, while others cover all qualified higher education expenses. The essential benefit is that you lock in those costs: Once you've paid the plan's price, it becomes the obligation of the plan to deliver the promised benefits down the road.
Tax Benefits for Education
School Search Engines
Petersons College Search
Vocational School Searches
Big Future
Accredited Schools Online -guide to online education with school search feature
On Post Colleges
(All options not available in all locations-visit your installation Education Center or a local on-post college office for more information and local options)
University of Maryland University College
Central Texas
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
ROTC
ROTC Information
Army ROTC
Naval ROTC
Air Force ROTC
Military Academies and Federal Service
US Military Academy at West Point
United States Naval Academy
US Air Force Academy
Coast Guard Academy
US Merchant Marine Academy
Peace Corps
US Government Jobs
Other Helpful Links
Common Application - Apply to multiple colleges at the same time with one form
Plan for College
Applying for College
Paying for College
In-State Tuition Requirements
As of 1 July 2009, members of the Armed Forces on active duty for a period of more than 30 days and their families are eligible to receive in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed. When a service member or their family members are enrolled, they'll continue to receive the in-state tuition rate as long as they remain continuously enrolled at the institution, even if the service member is reassigned outside the state. This change is included in section 135 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (H. R. 4137) (HEOA). In cases where the military member requires additional assistance, contact the on-campus DVA Representative, or the Department of Education's office (toll-free at 877 557-2575).
State by State IN-State Tuition Requirements
Tuition-Free Universities in Germany
As of October 2014, all Universities in Germany will not charge any tuition fees for undergraduate studies for all students including international students. In some Federal States, Universities will charge a semester contribution (about 50 euros) and/or administration fees (about 50 euros). This tuition fee structure can change in the future, you should check this page for updated information on tuition fees in different federal states in Germany.
More information Deutsches Studentwerk
See the list of German Universities and Colleges.
Also see the list of Scholarships in Germany for International Student
Testing for College
****SAT – high school
***The College Board has recently reduced the SAT testing schedule overseas. Please check the “international registration” section of the College Board website for overseas testing date schedule to plan ahead!!
CollegeBoard
Transportation to OCONUS Location from College
Military Travel Benefit -The student is authorized two one-way tickets per year, as the government is accepting responsibility for providing transportation from the OCONUS location to the school at the beginning of the year and then from the school back to the OCONUS location at the end of the year. However, the regs do not specify that the travel has to be used in that way, allowing military families to use the travel allowance in the way that is the most beneficial to their situation. Students can also ship up to 350 lbs and request summer storage of items left at school location. Recommendation is that you make request a minimum of 30 days prior to intended departure.
Civillians with a transportation agreement must contact their CPAC office to make request. Dependents of these civilians have access to government funded transportation, but some regulations and procedures are different for civilians. Check with your CPAC office for more details.
Scholarships for Military Dependents
Commissary Scholarship
ThanksUSA Scholarship Program
Survivors & Dependents Assistance Program
Fry Scholarship
American Legion Legacy Scholarship
Forty Acres Scholarship
Major General James Ursano Scholarship Fund for Dependent Children (Army)
Chief Petty Officers Scholarship
EOD Foundation Scholarship
This is not a complete list of scholarships by any means, please seek out more Military Dependent scholarship options!
