JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Office of the Secretary of Defense announced July 20 that the My Career Advancement Accounts tuition assistance program for military spouses is scheduled to resume Oct. 25.
The new MyCAA program will fund spouses of servicemembers in pay grades of E-1- E-5, W-1-W-2, and O-1-O-2 seeking an associate's degree, licenses and certifications. It will not support spouses obtaining bachelor's or master's degrees.
"Spouses of active duty servicemembers are eligible for consultation through Military One Source to see if they qualify for the program," said Kim Myers, Airman and Family Readiness Center director. "Our Career Focus program's goal is to assist and provide resources to spouses so they can succeed in achieving education and career goals."
Spouses also receive information about on and off-base resources that contribute to their quality of life while in the area and can learn about resources which provide support during deployments.
"The Heart Link orientation serves as an educational workshop for new military spouses. The workshop touches on multiple helping agency topics such as education, career resources, legal services, chapel activities, financial management childcare information, Tricare and other base and organizations," said Ms. Myers.
MyCAA now offers a maximum benefit of $4,000 for a time limit of three years. Spouses must finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course and while the servicemember is on active duty.
"The program will allow only the spouses of junior grade personnel seeking "portable career" training to enroll," Ms. Myers said.
'Portable careers' are those that are likely to provide job opportunities in most locations where military servicemembers are stationed.
These include, but are not limited to:
· Business/management
· Construction trades
· Education
· Financial services
· Health services
· Homeland Security
· Hospitality management
· Human Resources
· Information Technology
· Real Estate
Military spouses can apply for MyCAA Financial Assistance after completing a MyCAA Career and Training Plan.
The next Heart Link orientation is scheduled for Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. until noon. Free childcare is available and advanced reservations are required.
For more information on MyCAA visit www.Militaryonesource.com.
To learn more about the Airman and Family Readiness Center call (301) 981-7087 or stop by 1191 Menoher Ave.