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VA Announces May 23 Deadline for Participation in Yellow Ribbon Program

by Jennifer Hoops
March 11, 2011

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced yesterday, that the deadline for voluntary entry for schools into the Yellow Ribbon Program for the 2011-2012 academic year will be May 23.

The Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, provides additional education benefits to eligible servicemembers. The program allows colleges and universities to fund up to half of the difference in tuition and fee expenses that exceed standard Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. The VA will match the Yellow Ribbon School's contribution amount, allowing for qualified students to attend school tuition-free.

In a press release announcing the deadline, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki said: "Through shared responsibility, VA and our Nation's colleges and universities are working together to ensure that our Servicemembers, Veterans and dependents receive the education benefits they have earned."

Interested colleges and universities need to enter into a formal agreement each school year they wish to participate. The agreements and further instructions for becoming a Yellow Ribbon school can be found on the VA's website.

For more information on the Yellow Ribbon Program deadline, refer to the press release: Schools Encouraged to Join VA's Yellow Ribbon Program.

About the Author

Jennifer Hoops works as a project manager within the IT organization of a global manufacturing company. Her previous experience includes IT consulting and software sales. Prior to earning an MBA and becoming an IT professional, Jennifer earned a Bachelors degree in Economics and Music and spent several years as an independent music teacher.

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