Financing Your Education. Most experts in the IT industry will agree that there is no greater area in which self-improvement can directly affect your earning potential than technical certification. Improving your technical skills and knowledge through certifications and/or a college degree goes hand in hand with increasing your economic status and enhancing your marketability to employers. In times when the market is recovering from economic setbacks, garnering an edge over your competition is paramount. And while growth in salary still plays a vital role in assessing your personal success, now more than ever achieving technical certification can provide an advantage that distinguishes you from other qualified applicants.

According to Certification Magazine’s Annual Salary Survey (December 2004), more than two-thirds of the professionals who participated in the study feel that technical certifications play a major role in maintaining their job security. The study also noted that 31 percent of the participants received a job promotion within the first year after receiving their primary technical certification, and 92 percent credit the certification as playing a significant role in their advancement.

Tuition Assistance

Military Tuition Assistance and many corporate TA programs require that students take courses delivered through an accredited institution. MT & E has partnered with premier colleges and universities to deliver "for credit" courses and degree programs. Contact your admissions representative or call our toll free number for counseling. Before registering for any classes, please check with your base ESO or corporate benefits manager to make sure you know what guidelines you must follow in order to be eligible for TA.

A Little Help From Uncle Sam
The government has many federal and state-funded programs to assist students and professionals as they seek financing for their continued education. As a first step, we recommend checking with your local training center. They will be able to provide valuable information prior to beginning your search process since they likely know more about the availability of funds and restrictions for specific programs in your area.

Here are a few programs you may want to inquire about:

US Military - Tuition Assistance

The Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) Program is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the Tuition Expenses of its members. Each Service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process' and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services.

Additionally active duty members may elect to use the MGIB "top-up" in addition to their service provided TA to cover high cost courses. TA is not a loan; it should be seen as money you have earned just like your base pay!
Follow the links for your particular service and start taking advantage of this GOLDEN opportunity:

Montgomery GI Bill (www.gibill.va.gov)(or toll-free at 888-442-4551) : This educational assistance program was originally designed to help members of the armed forces adjust to life after military duty and enable them to take advantage of lost educational opportunities. Ex-military personnel who meet program requirements can use these funds to pay for IT training and certifications.

Complete & Send your VA Application.
Get your VA Application for Benefits* (22-1990), at www.va.gov/FORMS/default.asp. If you are on active duty, your ESO will need to sign the bottom of the 3rd page.

the VA has a program that increases your educational savings 2 to 1. It's called Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP).

VEAP is available if you made contributions from your military pay to participate. Your contributions are matched $2 for $1 by the Government. It's that simple, and that generous. You can use these benefits for degree, certificate, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs, and vocational flight training programs. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher training may also be available. Even certain work-study programs and tutorial assistance can be eligible

Veterans Programs: Several programs and funding opportunities such as GI Bill funds are available to support military veterans. Many have been developed specifically to increase opportunities for veterans to obtain employment and job training across the country. Check with your local Veterans Affairs office for details. (See www.va.gov.)

Other Resources: US Military and Training Programs: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/educationtraining/

COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) explains how Army Soldiers can meet civilian certification and license requirements related to their Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs).

DoD Forms; VA State Approving Agencies; Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges:

College Loan Repayment Program

Workforce Investment Act (www.doleta.gov/usworkforce/wia.asp): This act was designed to meet the needs of individuals who have lost their jobs due to industry downsizing. The WIA offers a variety of training services and programs. Generally, there is $5,000 available for those who qualify for an approved training program.

North American Free Trade Agreement/Transitional Adjustment Act (NAFTA-TAA): The NAFTA-TAA program provides assistance to workers who are laid off due to increased imports from foreign countries. The program provides funding for a full range of employment services including training and job search.

Microsoft IT Skills Loan (Technical Certification Training Loans)

GI Bill (up to $2000 per exam)

Education.gov (A site for military personnel called to active duty)

Alternative Financing
Aside from the more traditional methods of financing your certification, consider looking at self-financing as an option to pay for your certification. You may be surprised to find that family or friends will be willing to invest in your future. With savings interest at an all-time low, it might make more sense to borrow against your balance. In the long run, the investment you make in yourself will pay off. In addition, check with your personal financial advisor to discuss the option of borrowing against your own home or 401(k) fund.

SLM Financial (a Sallie Mae company) www.slmfinancial.com: For more than a quarter century, Sallie Mae has been helping students achieve their dreams of higher education by providing funds for educational loans. The company currently owns or manages student loans for more than 7 million borrowers and is the nation’s leading provider of education loans.

Peterson's (The largest education related information site on the web)

Federal Loan Programs (Funding guaranteed by the Federal Government)

Not sure what your options are? Contact us today to find out.