State Approving Agency
- promotes and safeguard quality education and training programs for veterans
- ensures greater educational and training opportunities to meet the challenging needs of veterans; and
- assists the VA in preventing fraud, waste and abuse in the administration of the GI Bill
The State Approving Agency (SAA) was established by act of Congress in 1947 to insure that Veteran's/eligible dependents can use the GI Bill educational entitlement in an approved educational program. The primary function of the Kansas State Approving Agency is to review, evaluate and approve quality educational and training programs for Veteran's benefits.
Programs that can be approved include institutions of higher learning (colleges and universities), non-degree institutions (vocational and technical schools), apprenticeship programs, other on-the-job training programs and flight schools.
The Kansas SAA reviews the appropriateness of each program relative to the states standards and laws in addition to the Department of Veteran's Affairs (DVA) rules and regulations and other applicable laws and regulations. The program is then either approved or disapproved. Continuous supervision is required of approved programs. There are over 145 programs currently approved in Kansas for Veteran's educational benefits.
All of the above courses or training must lead to an educational, professional, or vocational objective. Courses such as bar tending and personality development are a vocational and recreational in character and are specifically prohibited from approval by law.
Current SAA Approved Programs
- RECENTLY APPROVED PROGRAMS
- PENDING APPROVALS
- INSTITUTIONS FOR HIGHER LEARNING/NON-COLLEGE DEGREE PROGRAMS
- APPROVED TECHNICAL SCHOOLS
- APPROVED NON-COLLEGE DEGREE TRAINING PROGRAMS
- APPROVED COMPUTER TRAINING PROGRAMS
- APPROVED LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING ACADEMY
- APPROVED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
- APPROVED FLIGHT SCHOOLS
- APPROVED CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
- APPROVED FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING ACADEMY
- APPROVED FIRE DEPARTMENTS
- APPROVED CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
- APPROVED ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS
- APPROVED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
- APPROVED BEAUTY SCHOOLS/MASSAGE SCHOOLS
- APPROVED HIGH SCHOOLS
The Approval Process
Note: To meet the initial requirement for approval to train veterans and other eligible persons, the school must have been in continuous operation for at least two years.
The approval process is initiated when an institution’s owner or official contact person sends a letter requesting approval to train veterans and other eligible persons. The letter should include a brief description of the type of training being offered. After our office receives the written inquiry, an application packet will be sent requesting additional required information including school publications and other information.
After receiving the application package, complete and provide all of the information requested. Any questions regarding requested materials can be directed to our office. Once the application packet is completed and verified by our office as meeting the requirements of the law, we will contact the institution and set up an on-site visit. The visit will serve as an inspection of the facilities as well as a review of all the necessary licenses and forms. In addition, we will discuss record keeping requirements and provide training for the persons responsible for working with and certifying veterans.
After the inspection visit, and providing that all items are complete and acceptable, the application is forwarded to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their acceptance.
If you feel you are interested and will be able to spend the time and effort to obtain approval to train veterans, please contact our office for an application packet.
On-The-Job Training and Apprenticeships
Qualified veterans and certain dependents may receive GI bill education benefits while in an approved training program offered by a company or union. The training program must be at least six months long to be approved.
Examples of current training programs include common occupations like: aircraft mechanic, bricklayer, carpenter, electrician etc.
Some less common on-the-job training programs currently approved are: highway patrol officer, police officer, deputy sheriff, corrections officer, lineman, HVAC technician, dispatcher, security officer, buyer/purchaser, firefighter, financial analyst, emergency medical technician, and customer service representative.
Download and read the OJT, on-the-job training brochure by clicking on this link.
Contact us at 785-291-3422 or email SAA Program Director to have your specific training program considered for approval.
Licensing and Certification Approval System (LACAS)
This program enables qualified veterans and certain dependents to use Montgomery GI bill benefits and be reimbursed fees for licensing and certification test. The tests must be on the approved test list for this program.
Several hundred organizations now have their certification tests approved. Popular tests include BAR, CPA, and MCSE exams. Contact 785-291-3422 or email SAA Program Director to ask if your test is on the approved list.
Entrepreneurship
Allows eligible service members and veterans to use VA education benefits to take courses offered by the Small Business Development Center. This program will assist veterans who are interested in opening their own business, expanding a business, understand federal buying rules, and find business opportunities.
High School Diplomas
Education benefits may available for dependents of veterans who died or are permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. Chapter 35 education benefits are available when the dependent turns eighteen. Benefits may be earned while in an approved high school diploma program. Most Kansas high schools are on the approved list. Please contact our education office at 785-291-3422 or email SAA Program Director for further information.
VA Education Benefits
The following is a list of VA education programs:
Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (Chapter 30)
Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
Post Vietnam Era Veterans Educational assistance Program (Chapter 32)
Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)
Reserve Educational Assistant Program (REAP) Chapter 1607
For additional information contact the VA at: www.gibill.va.gov/
The University of Kansas Veterans Upward Bound (VUB)
VUB is an educational and skills program designed specifically to serve the needs of today’s veterans. Their mission is to provide qualifying veterans with the skills and motivation necessary to complete a GED program or to enter and succeed in a postsecondary education program. They offer a unique range of services designed to prepare eligible veterans for success when they enter their chosen educational program, whether it is at a 2-year community college, a 4-year college or university, or a public or private vocational or technical school. All services offered by VUB, including instruction, textbooks, advising, and supplies, are provided FREE of charge for qualifying veterans. Contact 913-321-5512, email vub@ku.edu, or see website at http://www.ku.edu/~vub.
State Approving Agency Director and Staff
Dave Murach
Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs
1625 E. 30th
Hutchinson, Kansas 67502
Phone (620)665-8647
Fax (785) 296-1462
Email: SAA Program Director
Brigette Hayes
Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs
700 S.W. Jackson, Suite 701
Topeka, Kansas 66603
Phone (785) 291-3422
Fax (785) 296-1462
Email: SAA Program Consultant
SAA Links
Kansas College of Chinese Medicine