An update to the GI Bill signed into law yesterday will give veterans more access to a college a degree. The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, named after the American Legion national commander who wrote the original GI Bill language in 1944, is the largest expansion of college assistance for military veterans in a decade.
Known as the Forever GI Bill, the expansion lifts the current 15-year limit for veterans to use their GI Bill benefits for a college education. In addition, the legislation expands student aid for National Guard soldiers, and grants full eligibility for benefits to Purple Heart recipients – regardless of their length of service. Benefits also can now be transferred to the eligible dependent of service members killed in the line of duty.
An additional facet of the law gives veterans additional payments for completing science, technology, and engineering courses – an effort to better prepare veterans for the job market after their service.
“This is great news for our veterans in Acadiana. This expansion will allow many veterans the opportunity to access student aid and earn a college diploma,” said Janelle Luquette, SLCC’s Veteran Affairs agent. “This gives them the opportunity to invest in themselves.”
Currently, SLCC serves more than 400 veterans on its eight campuses. The college participates in several veteran education benefits programs including: Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty, Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve, Post 9/11 GI Bill, Reserve Educational Assistance Program, Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program, and Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
“We proudly serve our active duty and veteran military students and are eager to help veterans navigate the resources they’ve earned,” said Luquette.
For more information about veteran services at SLCC, please call (337) 521-9621 or email certifying.official@solacc.edu
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ABOUT ACADIANA’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE South Louisiana Community College is a comprehensive community college that operates campuses in Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Lafayette, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville, and Ville Platte. The college serves more than 13,000 students annually and offers an array of academic programs. Students earn associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, and industry-based certifications. It is ranked 14th among the Top 100 Associate Degree Producers as determined by Community College Week.