The GI Bill has helped millions of servicemen and women get an education since its inception during World War II.
On Monday, President Obama unveiled some new changes to the education program. The so-called Post 9/11 GI Bill gives every eligible veteran, serviceman and woman, reservist and National Guard member a better chance to attend a public college. It also has a provision for service member's families.
"A wonderful thing about the new GI Bill is it's transferable. So we can transfer our benefit to our spouse or children," said Sgt. Brian Bassi.
Bassi is currently on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corp and falls under the old Montgomery GI Bill. He plans to sign up for the new program later so that his wife can take advantage of his unused education benefits.
The new program also pays for tuition equal to the state's most expensive public college tuition and includes a housing allowance, and a thousand dollar book stipend.
"I thinks its wonderful, the fact that if you qualify for 100% of this benefit you're going to make almost $27,000 just by going to school," said Kristopher Butler with the University of Houston's Registrar's Office.
The enhanced education program could benefit millions of active duty servicemen and women who will be returning home in the near future.
"Since work may be out of the picture right now school is the most viable answer," said Allen Grundy with the University of Houston's Veterans' Services Office. Grundy believes the economy may make it difficult for returning soldiers to find work. He is encouraging veterans to take advantage of the new program in order help their chances at a better paying job down the road.
"One of the major things that the President did was he allotted $2.4 billion dollars to community colleges," said Grundy.
While U of H is state university it receives students from nine area community colleges. An estimated 3,000 students are already enrolled on veterans benefits at UofH and 400 more are set to begin in the Fall under the new Post 9/11GI Bill.
For service members who want to attend a private university the Department of Veterans Affairs has established the "Yellow Ribbon Program" in which the private university will pick up a portion of their tuition that exceeds the maximum benefit paid out by the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The VA will match the difference.
The bill is only available to vets who served on active duty after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
"It qualifies from that 90 days all the way up to three years of active, which qualifies you for 100% of the benefit," said Butler.
The new bill will ensure that the next generation of American service men and women along with their families are prepared for the road ahead.
On Monday, President Obama unveiled some new changes to the education program. The so-called Post 9/11 GI Bill gives every eligible veteran, serviceman and woman, reservist and National Guard member a better chance to attend a public college. It also has a provision for service member's families.
"A wonderful thing about the new GI Bill is it's transferable. So we can transfer our benefit to our spouse or children," said Sgt. Brian Bassi.
Bassi is currently on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corp and falls under the old Montgomery GI Bill. He plans to sign up for the new program later so that his wife can take advantage of his unused education benefits.
The new program also pays for tuition equal to the state's most expensive public college tuition and includes a housing allowance, and a thousand dollar book stipend.
"I thinks its wonderful, the fact that if you qualify for 100% of this benefit you're going to make almost $27,000 just by going to school," said Kristopher Butler with the University of Houston's Registrar's Office.
The enhanced education program could benefit millions of active duty servicemen and women who will be returning home in the near future.
"Since work may be out of the picture right now school is the most viable answer," said Allen Grundy with the University of Houston's Veterans' Services Office. Grundy believes the economy may make it difficult for returning soldiers to find work. He is encouraging veterans to take advantage of the new program in order help their chances at a better paying job down the road.
"One of the major things that the President did was he allotted $2.4 billion dollars to community colleges," said Grundy.
While U of H is state university it receives students from nine area community colleges. An estimated 3,000 students are already enrolled on veterans benefits at UofH and 400 more are set to begin in the Fall under the new Post 9/11GI Bill.
For service members who want to attend a private university the Department of Veterans Affairs has established the "Yellow Ribbon Program" in which the private university will pick up a portion of their tuition that exceeds the maximum benefit paid out by the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The VA will match the difference.
The bill is only available to vets who served on active duty after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
"It qualifies from that 90 days all the way up to three years of active, which qualifies you for 100% of the benefit," said Butler.
The new bill will ensure that the next generation of American service men and women along with their families are prepared for the road ahead.
