Furthering education with TA and the SkillBridge program

Photo By Jacob Bertram | The Tuition Assistance (TA) program is one way Marines can pursue higher education. TA is a government program where 100% of your tuition is covered at accredited institutions, up to $250 per college credit or $4,500 per year. It’s available at any duty station, and participating in voluntary education and academic programs can even help service members earn points toward promotions. (U.S. Marine Corps graphic by Lance Cpl. Aliannah Bartok and Lance Cpl. Jacob Bertram)  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

11.19.2021

Story by Lance Cpl. Jacob Bertram 

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Marines have long taken pride in their identity, one of discipline and always striving for the best. For many Marines, this takes shape by bettering themselves physically. In a world of increasing education, it’s essential Marines train to overcome their opponents not only physically, but academically as well.

Two ways Marines can further their education is through tuition assistance (TA) and the SkillBridge program.

TA is a government program where 100% of your tuition is covered at accredited institutions, up to $250 per college credit or $4,500 per year. It’s available at any duty station, and participating in voluntary education and academic programs can even help service members earn points toward promotions. The program available to all active duty Marines, reservists on continuous active duty, enlisted reservists ordered to active duty for 120 days, and to reserve officers ordered to active duty. First time users can only take one course for their first enrollment, all others are limited to a maximum of two courses at a time.

To use TA, you must meet the following requirements:

- Have a minimum GT score of 100 or a minimum TABE score of 10.2.
- Complete Marine Corps Institute Personal Financial Management course.
- Can't be used if you have had or are pending disciplinary action.
- Can't be used to pay for flight training.
- Can't pay for the same course more than once.
- Can't be approved after course start. Applications must be submitted and command approved before the course starts.
- Must earn a grade of D or higher, or P for passing all non-graduate level coursework, and C or higher for graduate level courses. If not, you have to repay all TA funds for that course.

If you’re already nearing the end of your military contract and plan on joining the civilian workforce, you can enhance your marketability and post-separation career prospects by participating in the SkillBridge program. The SkillBridge program matches civilian opportunities to your job training and work experience to assist you in finding a career that best fits you.

Any rank, enlisted or officer, may apply for SkillBridge. SkillBridge permits you to use up to the last 180 days of service to train and learn with an industry partner. During SkillBridge participation, you continue to receive military compensation and are covered by your military benefits. Release for SkillBridge is always mission dependent and your unit commander must authorize participation prior to entering into any agreement with interested industry employment partners.

There are many industry partners with opportunities in a variety of fields, such as energy, information technology, manufacturing, retail, transportation, civil service, and more. These industry partners have developed SkillBridge programs for separating service members because they value your expertise, dedication, and service.

If you’re stationed at MCAS Cherry Point and would like to learn more about these programs or other opportunities offered at the Jerry Marvel Training and Education Building, contact the Marine Corps Community Services Education office at 252-466-3500 or visit, https://mccscherrypoint.com/programs/personal-professional-development/education-programs/.

• Date Taken: 11.19.2021
• Date Posted: 11.24.2021 15:01
• Story ID: 409759
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US