Are you or do you know an unemployed veteran between the ages of 35 and 60? If so, the following information could be of great use to you.
The Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 provides a new benefit program aimed at retraining eligible veterans for high demand jobs. The program is referred to as the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program, also known as VRAP.
Are You Eligible for the VRAP Program?
- Are you at least 35 but under 60?
- Are you unemployed on the date of your application for VRAP benefits?
- Did you receive an “other than dishonorable discharge?”
- Are you not eligible for any other VA educational benefit program such as Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation or Selected Reserve?
- Are you not receiving any VA compensation because of unemployability? Are you not enrolled in a federal or state job training program?
- Will you be enrolled full time once you begin your program of study?
If you answered yes to the above questions, you should apply for VRAP right away.
What is an Approved High-Demand Occupation?
The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor have compiled a list of occupations they consider to be in high demand. Front Range Community College offers degrees and certificates in several of the high-demand occupations, such as a Paralegal Studies, Computer Information Systems, Pre-paramedic, and dozens of others. Check out all of FRCC’s fields of study and compare your choice to the government’s list.
Where Can an Eligible Veteran Use VRAP Benefits?
VRAP benefits are only available for an approved program of study at a community college or technical school. The VA refers veterans to this U.S. Department of Education site to find a list of approved institutions.
You’ve Determined You’re Eligible for VRAP. Now What?
About 72,000 veterans have already applied for VRAP benefits. Applications are still being accepted. Apply here.
If you are approved, take your approval letter (certificate of eligibility) to the Veteran Services advisor at your campus. Learn more about the enrollment process for students receiving veteran’s benefits at FRCC.
Veterans, thank you for your service to the country. If you are eligible for VRAP, a grateful country is ready to help you.
