GI Bill Student Newsletter - March 2024

Veterans Benefits Administration sent this bulletin at 03/12/2024 03:01 PM EDT

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Spring into new beginnings

Spring is indeed a time for new beginnings. This season could start an exciting journey, especially if you're considering a career within the federal government, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Navigating the federal hiring process might seem overwhelming, but rest assured, there are plenty of resources available to guide you. This month we’ve provided some to get you started, including a new webinar series. We encourage you to utilize these resources, remain persistent, and view this spring as a crucial steppingstone toward a rewarding career. Lastly, let's make the most of the beautiful spring weather. It's the perfect backdrop to explore new beginnings and opportunities.

If you find this edition valuable, we hope you’ll share the newsletter with other Veterans and GI Bill® beneficiaries! Make sure you add Veteransbenefits@messages.va.gov to your contacts list to so that you don't miss important updates from us. Be sure to also follow us on Facebook!

Watch the first episode in the State of Education Service series

Education Service executive director stands in an office with two flags and a window view behind him

Since the Digital GI Bill initiative began in March 2021, Education Service (EDU) has made updates to the GI Bill benefits process such as making the GI Bill Comparison Tool mobile-friendly, simplifying the Post-9/11 GI Bill application, providing potentially same-day eligibility decisions, and more. Over the next three to five years, we’re driving forward our mission to digitally transform the GI Bill benefits experience for you and future GI Bill students. In the new State of EDU video series, the Executive Director of EDU, Mr. Joseph Garcia discusses what EDU has in store for students like you and how future modernization updates will improve your education benefits. Watch the video today to learn more.

EVENT: Navigating the federal hiring process

The Veterans Benefits Administration Education Service is hosting a three-part series dedicated to the federal hiring process, and part one begins on April 19, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET. Join us to learn the behind-the-scenes tips and tricks to attaining federal employment.

“Navigating USAJOBS” begins the instructional series which will continue with “Building Your Federal Resume” and concludes with “Performance-Based Interviewing,” in May and June respectively. Additional registration information will become available after part one is concluded.

Reserve your spot today for the April webinar! Spots are limited!

Registration link: https://vbatraining.adobeconnect.com/admin/show-event-catalog?folder-id=6353183471

Apply for a Warrior-Scholar Project boot camp

Warrior-Scholar Project’s (WSP) academic boot camps for this summer are filling up fast! WSP’s academic boot camps can help you prepare to attend college for the first time or improve your current academic performance. To assist Veterans who can’t travel this summer, WSP has added a virtual humanities boot camp to the schedule. Boot camps are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fill out an interest form today!

Opportunities for work for the federal government

The federal government is looking to recruit top talent. The Office of Personnel Management developed the Federal Tech Portal which lists location, position, starting salary and other necessary information to help navigate new employment. If you are looking for a new role in federal tech, check out the portal HERE!

Work for VA!

Did you know that VA is one of the top employers when it comes to hiring Veterans? As the nation’s second largest federal employer, VA employs over 122K Veterans. If you are seeking your next career opportunity, consider a career with VA.

To learn more about what it’s like working at VA, check out VA for Vets, a service that facilitates the hiring of Veterans at VA and other federal agencies. VA for Vets offers career search tools, career development services, coaching and reintegration support for service members. Visit http://vaforvets.va.gov to learn more about career opportunities and support for Veterans.

Build your resume with Resume Engine

Hand resting on a computer mouse, next to a keyboard

Help potential employers understand how the skills and experience you’ve gained during your military service make you a great employee. Resume Engine™, powered by Hiring Our Heroes helps translate your military record into a strong resume. Hiring employers can readily connect with you right from the platform.

Are you eligible for the GI Bill Tutoring Benefit?

If you’re having trouble in a required subject and need a tutor, you can be reimbursed by the GI Bill for up to $100 a month and a total limit of $1,200. You’re eligible if you’re studying 51% or more of full time. Full time for an undergraduate student is typically 12 credits or hours, while it will vary for graduate students. Find more information and how to apply on our website.

STEM students: you may be eligible for additional benefits

Collage consisting of a medical professional, workers with hard hats and a person writing code

If you’re a Veteran using the Post-9/11 GI Bill or a Fry Scholar, you may be eligible for additional benefits up to 9 months or $30,000. You must:

Be enrolled in a qualifying STEM program,
Have completed a certain amount of time on your degree,
Have six months or less of your benefits left (if you apply too soon, you’ll be denied).

Learn more about what types of degrees and what fields qualify, and apply on our website.

How Does the GI Bill Affect My Taxes?

An illustrated calculator with a graduation cap, money bag, house and piggy bank above it, and math signs to the right and left of it

GI Bill payments are tax free, but they will affect tax credits. Find more information on our website.

Studying for a career in medical? VA has scholarships!

Medical student faces the camera with two people sitting behind her

Are you studying in a field related to medicine or healthcare? VA offers scholarships to students willing to work in a VA healthcare facility serving our nation’s Veterans. They cover many degrees and certifications and are also often tax-exempt. Find more information about the different programs on our website.

US Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Benefits Administration

Do you have a question or concern about your benefits? Contact us safely and securely with Ask VA!

If you know a Veteran who is in crisis,

call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press1.

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