The path of a military spouse is often marked by frequent relocations and unique challenges to career continuity. Recognizing these hurdles, the Military Spouse Career Advancement Program (MyCAA) stands as a pivotal resource, offering up to $4,000 in educational funding. This workforce development initiative is designed to empower eligible military spouses to pursue the education and training necessary for thriving careers.
The MyCAA scholarship aims to facilitate the pursuit of licenses, certificates, certifications, or associate degrees. These qualifications are crucial for gaining employment in portable, high-demand, and high-growth career fields. Military spouses can leverage MyCAA funds at any academic institution approved to participate in the MyCAA Scholarship program. This initiative underscores the commitment to supporting military families by enhancing the career prospects of spouses.
Who Qualifies for the Military Spouse Career Advancement Program?
Eligibility for the Military Spouse Career Advancement Program is specifically defined to support spouses of service members in the junior pay grades. Spouses are eligible if their service member is on active duty in pay grades E-1 to E-9, W-1 to W-3, and O-1 to O-3. This includes spouses of National Guard and Reserve members in the same pay grades when the service member is activated on Title 10 orders. A key requirement is that spouses must be able to commence and complete their coursework while their military sponsor remains on active duty.
Importantly, even if a service member’s promotion elevates them beyond the qualifying pay grades, the spouse’s eligibility is protected. As long as an approved training plan was in place prior to the promotion, the spouse remains eligible to receive MyCAA benefits. Expanding its reach, the MyCAA program since 2020 also encompasses Coast Guard spouses whose service members are in equivalent qualifying pay grades, further broadening its beneficial impact.
Understanding MyCAA Scholarship Coverage
The Military Spouse Career Advancement Program is structured to directly support educational pursuits. The scholarship primarily covers tuition costs for education and training courses that culminate in an associate degree. It also extends to cover expenses associated with obtaining licenses, certificates, or certifications from accredited colleges, universities, or technical schools approved under the MyCAA program. Furthermore, MyCAA can fund the costs associated with approved testing organizations that help military spouses expand their employment options and portable career pathways.
However, it’s crucial to understand what the MyCAA Scholarship does not cover. MyCAA funding is not applicable to:
- Courses and examinations not explicitly outlined in the spouse’s Education and Training Plan, or for courses already in progress or completed.
- Any form of reimbursements.
- Expenses for books, supplies, equipment, uniforms, computers, and any electronic devices.
- Student activities, social events, and entertainment.
- Pre-payments or deposits for future courses, unless these are part of a structured block of study.
- College or university entrance examinations, comprehensive exams, and preparatory courses for these.
- Courses, tests, or fees that are typically covered by an employer as part of professional job training.
- Miscellaneous fees such as registration, technology, or parking fees.
- Non-academic credit courses, including audited courses, internships, practicums, apprenticeships, clinical supervision, and non-credit orientation programs.
- Repeated courses, unless MyCAA receives a full refund from the educational institution.
- General studies, liberal arts, and interdisciplinary associate degrees without a specific concentration.
- Personal enrichment courses, except for graded electives within an approved MyCAA Education and Training Plan.
- Costs related to transportation, lodging, childcare, and medical services.
- Course extensions, except under specific hardship waivers.
- Study abroad programs, unless offered by participating MyCAA schools on overseas military installations.
- Private licenses intended for recreational use (e.g., private pilot’s license), as opposed to commercial licenses for occupational purposes.
- High school completion programs, including online programs, and continuing education credits for professional organization standing.
Applying for the Military Spouse Career Advancement Program
Initiating your journey with the Military Spouse Career Advancement Program is straightforward. Eligible spouses need to create a MyCAA account, which can be done for free by visiting the MyCAA website. Spouses become eligible to develop their Career and Training Plan and request financial aid within 30 days of their intended course start dates. It’s important to note that spouses are responsible for directly applying to their chosen educational institution or program and for enrolling in each course detailed in their approved MyCAA Career and Training Plan.
To get started with the Military Spouse Career Advancement Program, military spouses should:
Military OneSource career and education consultants are available at 800-342-9647 to provide personalized assistance. They can help spouses to:
- Investigate diverse career interests, assess educational options, and compare different programs of study.
- Successfully create and implement their customized Career and Training Plans.
Stay Informed About Military Life and Benefits
To remain up-to-date with military news, military family benefits, and essential resources, consider subscribing to platforms like Military.com. Staying informed ensures you can take full advantage of the support systems available to military families. The Military Spouse Career Advancement Program is a significant opportunity for military spouses to achieve their career aspirations, offering both financial assistance and career development support.
