Program provides additional money for education

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Earning a degree can open doors to a range of new possibilities and in many cases amplify one's income.

The Air Force provides a benefit, for those who want to further their education, less familiar than the commonly used tuition assistance. Additional money is available to Airmen, through the certification and licensure program.

"One available program many military members don't take advantage of enough is the certification and licensure program," said Darla Rush, 509th Force Support Squadron of chief force development flight. "It's one of the least used educational programs available."

The certification and licensure program offers up to $9,000 to servicemembers throughout two fiscal years, as additional assistance to help them obtain a certificate in addition to tuition assistance.

"The funds can be used for regular classes towards a higher-learning degree, a certification, license, or a combination of both," Mrs. Rush said.

According to Mrs. Rush, the certification or licensure must be offered by an accredited college or university.

"Once the member finds the program they'd like to enroll in, they can let me know the school it's offered through, and I will check the accreditation," she said.

If the member is going to school and wants to start a certificate program, they will need to keep in mind that they are only authorized up to $4,500 per fiscal year, so when the money is gone, they're done for that FY she said.

"This program is really good for those who only want a certificate or license, but are not pursing an associates, bachelor's, masters or Ph.D.," said Mrs. Rush. "The funds are use or lose, and can only be used to cover the cost of the program, so if it costs $300, then the rest of the money is forfeited.

"Eligible members can only use this program one time in their AF career, so we advise them to find the one program that they want," Mrs. Rush said.

In order to qualify for the full $9,000, the course has to cross over into two Fiscal Years.

For more information about educational benefits, contact Mrs. Rush at (660) 687-5724 or log on to the Air Force Portal and select Virtual Education Center.