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Soldiers and Airmen in the Tennessee National Guard who are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree can now receive tuition assistance due to the passing of the Tennessee STRONG Act on May 3.
The Tennessee STRONG (Support, Training, and Renewing Opportunity for National Guardsmen) Act provides educational opportunities for members of the Tennessee National Guard and supports Governor Haslam’s “Drive to 55” initiative that launched in 2013. The goal of the initiative is for 55 percent of Tennesseans to have a degree or certificate by the year 2025.
“The STRONG Act provides the necessary funding our current members need to further develop themselves and prepare for future challenges in life,” said Command Chief Master Sgt. Mark Harris, the command chief master sergeant for the Tennessee Air National Guard. “We must continue to lead in innovation, readiness and development; education is a critical part of doing this.”
“In addition to strengthening the Tennessee National Guard, the STRONG Act will strengthen our workforce and economy,” according to a One Pager about the Act found on TN.gov.
The Act enables Tennessee National Guard recruiters, both Army and Air, to be more competitive with surrounding states by providing 100 percent tuition assistance – something many surrounding states already offer.
“This program is not only a huge benefit for those already serving, but also for those future Airmen and Soldiers,” said Master Sgt. Ron Hartley, Tennessee Air National Guard recruiting superintendent. “I see this as a way to ensure the Tennessee Guardsmen stay the best trained, best equipped and best educated.”
Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers were previously able to receive federal tuition assistance of $250 per credit hour up to $750, with a maximum of 16 credit hours per fiscal year. This benefit is not going away; the STRONG Act will supplement any federal tuition assistance a Soldier might receive.
“All Tennessee Soldiers must first register through Go Army Ed to qualify for federal assistance,” said Sgt. Stephanie Vaughn, Tennessee Army National Guard GI Bill manager. “The federal assistance must be used first, and then they can use state assistance.”
“If the Soldier doesn’t qualify for federal assistance, they may still be eligible to use state assistance,” she explained. All of this is in addition to the GI Bill, which both Army and Air National Guard can utilize.
The assistance provided by the STRONG Act is a greater incentive for the Air National Guard because, unlike their Army counterparts, the Air National Guard does not receive any federal tuition assistance.
“The passing of the STRONG Act puts us on an even playing field with our surrounding states,” said Hartley.
“The benefits of the program are life changing for the Airmen and Soldiers of Tennessee. The doors of higher education have been opened with no additional monetary sacrifice,” he added.
It is estimated that more than 400 Soldiers and Airmen currently serving in the Tennessee National Guard will be able to benefit from tuition assistance the first year, according to Tech. Sgt. Joseph Wilson, Tennessee Air National Guard tuition assistance manager.
At this time, Soldiers and Airmen cannot yet apply for state tuition assistance. The application system is still being developed.
“We are hoping to be able to start accepting applications on July 1st,” said Vaughn. More information on the application process will be released to members of the Tennessee National Guard and the recruiting teams as it becomes available.
To be eligible, the individual must be admitted to and enrolled in any regionally accredited college or university in the state of Tennessee. The Guard member must maintain a 2.0 GPA, as well as be in good standing with and currently serving in the Tennessee National Guard. The state tuition reimbursement is made directly to the educational institution and is an offset by any other funding received.
“The STRONG Act will provide our Tennessee Guardsmen a much needed assist in getting ahead in their military careers,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Scott, the senior enlisted leader of the Tennessee National Guard. “It will help the Tennessee National Guard maintain its standing as one of the best in the United States.”
| Date Taken: | 05.12.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 05.12.2017 11:35 |
| Story ID: | 233640 |
| Location: | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 160 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, STRONG Act: Tuition Assistance for TN National Guard, by MSgt Robin Brown, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
