Educational Options and Deployment Supports
Explore educational options available in your community. Find resources to help your Family through the deployment cycle.
Army Youth Sponsorship Program
The Army Youth Sponsorship program matches your child with a peer to help them transition to a new duty station.
Helping Students Transition from High School to Post-Secondary Opportunities
School Liaison Officers (SLOs) play a vital role in preparing military-connected students for life after high school. Whether students are pursuing college, university, trade school, military careers, or entering the workforce, SLOs provide guidance, resources, and support to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
How SLOs Support Post-Secondary Transitions:
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College and University Preparation: SLOs offer workshops and resources on college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. They guide students thr ough the college application process, including essay writing, standardized testing, and meeting deadlines. SLOs help families understand the financial considerations of higher education, such as FAFSA applications, grants, and military-specific scholarships.
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Trade School and Vocational Training: SLOs provide information on trade schools and vocational programs that align with students’ interests and career goals. They connect students with resourcesto explore certifications and apprenticeships in fields like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
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Military Careers: For students interested in joining the military, SLOs offer guidance on career paths within the armed forces, including ROTC programs, enlistment options, and military academies. They help students understand the requirements, benefits, and opportunities associated with military service.
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Entering the Workforce: SLOs assist students in pr eparing for the workforce by offering workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and professional etiquette. They connect students with local employment resources, internships, and job fairs to help them explore career opportunities.
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Social and Emotional Support: SLOs address the social and emotional aspects of transitioning to post-secondary life, helping students build resilience and confidence as they navigate new environments. They provide resources to help students adapt to the challenges of independence and adulthood.
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Parent Support: SLOs offer workshops for parents to help them understand their role in supporting their child’s transition, including financial planning, emotional support, and navigating post-secondary systems.
Why It Matters:
The transition from high school to post-secondary opportunities is a critical milestone for students. SLOs ensure military-connected students have the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed in their chosen path, whether it’s higher education, vocational training, military service, or entering the workforce. By providing personalized guidance and connecting students with valuable resources, SLOs empower military-connected youth to achieve their goals and thrive in their post-secondary endeavors.
Available scholarship links
Good starting point for many scholarships available to children of military members and retirees. Deadlines and requirements vary so be sure to thoroughly examine the criteria for each scholarship.
Additional Resources
More links, documents, and tools to support your family.
- The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs provides information about Military-Specific and GovernmentAcademic Support G.I. Bill
- The Transferability of Educational Benefits for the Post 9/11 GI Bill are very specific. The Defense Manpower Data Center, through MilConnect will guide you through the transfer process and your eligibility to do so. Speak with an Education Counselor prior to making this election in order to ensure you understand the benefit.
- In-State Tuition Programs for Military: Service-members, active duty for a period of more than 30 days and their dependents are eligible to receive in-state tuition at many public colleges and universities in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed. An enrolled dependent may pay in-state tuition as long as he or she remains continuously enrolled at the institution, even if the service-member is reassigned outside of the state. Regulations outlined in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, 2008 (P.L 110 - 135) and the Higher Education Act of 1965 apply.
