Resources for the Veterans Community
Educational Resources for Veterans
Education Benefits Information
USDVA Education Benefits
The USDVA Education Service administers the federal education benefit programs (Montgomery GI Bill,
REAP, VEAP, etc). Their website
provides a summary of each program and links to detailed information. If you need additional
assistance, please call their toll-free number 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a
Veterans Benefits Counselor. For local assistance with these benefits you can contact your
County Veterans Services Office.
TurboTap - The Official
Transition Assistance Program Website
TurboTAP.org is Department of Defense's official website providing information for servicemembers
on transitioning from military service. This site is also supported by the Departments of Labor and
Veterans Affairs. TurboTAP.org is intended to supplement the services offered by the Transition
Assistance Offices and other groups.
TurboTAP contains information about veterans benefits, employment, education and other topics of
concern for transitioning military members and their families.
MyGIBill.org: The American Legion Guide to Veterans Education Benefits
The American Legion created and maintains MyGIBill.org to promote better understanding of today's veteran education benefits.
California Education Benefits
The State of California provides education benefits for eligible spouses, dependents and survivors.
Check out the options at our California Benefits overview.
If you have any questions about these programs or to apply for these benefits contact your
County Veterans Services Office.
Post Secondary Education Information
California Veterans Education Opportunities
Partnership
Veterans or current servicemen and women who reside in California or who are stationed in California
can take advantage of the state's wealth of postsecondary educational options - including community
colleges as well as four-year degree granting institutions.
Veterans who wish to pursue higher education are encouraged to investigate academic programs offered
at California universities, both public and private, and determine which provide programs of study in
which the individual is interested. Individuals should contact the admission offices at those
institutions to learn about their specific admission processes.
In addition to researching admissions application processes, individuals should investigate the
processes for obtaining benefits for Veterans or active military. The information provided here is
intended to supply some of the necessary forms and information related to these benefits. The
Veterans' Affairs coordinators
at each university can also provide advice to veterans, reservists, and dependents of service disabled
or deceased veterans on completing and filing VA claim forms for federal and state education assistance
programs or assist with special registration procedures required for students who are sponsored under
one of the VA Fee Waiver programs (for dependents and disabled veterans).
Troops to College
Troops to College: Community Colleges
California's Troops to College initiative was announced by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in March 2006
to provide educational opportunities and assistance to active duty service members and veterans by the
state’s premier education segments and related agencies.
CaliforniaColleges.edu
Not sure where to start? CaliforniaColleges.edu is a powerful, open-ended site rich with content that
makes finding and applying to a school in California a snap.
College Level Examination
Program (CLEP)
For more then 30 years, active duty members have been using the CLEP to accelerate their degree
completion at no cost. Thanks to a new law, veterans can also take advantage of this education benefit.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will now reimburse veterans for CLEP examination fees. CLEP
offers 34 examinations in introductory level subjects. For more information on the CLEP examinations
please visit their website.
For information on how to submit a claim please visit the USDVA site at
www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/testing.htm.
Troops to Teachers
Troops to Teachers is a federal program that provides a link between current and prior armed service
members who desire to pursue a career in education by providing counseling, financial and placement
assistance.
The Troops to Teachers program enriches the quality of American education by placing mature, motivated,
experienced and dedicated personnel in our nation's classrooms. Thousands of military retirees,
separating active duty personnel, and currently drilling members of the reserve components are
discovering new and rewarding careers in teaching our nations children. Veterans who have become public
school teachers are “Proud to Serve Again.” For more information visit
the Troops to Teachers website.
Training and Apprentice Programs
Veterans – Apprenticeship
opportunities.
Veterans participating in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training can collect their Montgomery GI Bill
benefit while they learn a skill for a lifelong career and earn a paycheck for the work they do.
Training & Education.
California Community Colleges provide an excellent, local resource to assist veterans in their careers,
education, or job training.
Community Colleges in the San Joaquin Valley have provided detailed information on the programs and
resources available at your community college at their
Training4Me website.
For general information on the
locations and programs available at
community colleges statewide visit the California
Community Colleges web site.
Other Resources
Student Veterans of America
Student Veterans of America (SVA) is a coalition of student veterans groups from college campuses across
the United States. Founded in January of 2008, SVA works to develop new student groups, coordinate
between existing student groups, and advocate on behalf of student veterans at the state and national
level.
Military.com
Military.com is the largest online military destination, offering free resources to serve, connect, and
inform the 30 million Americans with military affinity, including active duty, reservists, guard members,
retirees, veterans, family members, defense workers and those considering military careers.
Check out the information on the following education topics: