CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
The West Virginia National Guard will be increasing its Educational Encouragement Program cap to $9,000 a year, a $2,000 increase effective January 1, 2023, for Army and Air National Guard servicemembers currently pursuing their post-secondary education at an approved West Virginia institution of higher learning.
The WVNG’s Educational Encouragement Program (WVEEP) has been offering the benefit of paying up to 100 percent of college tuition and allowable fees for service members since its establishment in 1977.
“Near the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, our Educational Encouragement Committee had begun the process to evaluate tuition assistance and provide a recommendation on increases to ensure we’re taking care of Soldiers and Airmen who choose to serve in our Guard,” stated Maj. Gen. Bill Crane, Adjutant General of the WVNG. “With rising inflation, cost of living, and higher education expenses increasing, we knew it was something we had to get after; We wanted to ensure it was done right with the correct data to provide a clear picture of the need for our members, especially during such a tumultuous time for education during the pandemic and as the life began to return to a semblance of normalcy.”
Crane continued, “I am thankful for my staff and most especially to Governor Justice and our Legislature for authorizing these funds that directly go toward helping our service men and women achieve educational success while serving in the West Virginia National Guard.”
“I say it all the time, but we owe everything to our National Guard, and I am just thrilled that they have been able to work within the budget to provide more benefit directly to these brave men and women,” stated Governor Jim Justice.
Service members who join the West Virginia National Guard are eligible to use this benefit at accredited colleges and universities in West Virginia and can couple it with other federal benefits earned through their service in the U.S. Army or Air Force or with programs such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill or Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. The West Virginia Educational Encouragement Program covers allowable fees for education such as library, technology and/or lab fees, but does not cover fees related to housing, meals, books, parking, etc.
Eligible programs where WVNG service members can use this benefit include bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, certain certifications, and aviation courses. Also, two service members a year may be authorized to use this benefit in pursuit of a medical degree.
Currently, the WVEEP has served more than 20,000 service members since its inception more than 45 years ago, with nearly 500 service members enrolled for the 2022 fall semester.
The WVEEP Committee reviews all aspects of the program and provides recommendations on changes to the Adjutant General as defined in W. Va. Code §15-1B-21.
Additional information on the WVEEP is available at www.wv.ng.mil/education