Vet News

YellowRibbonProgram.org, a website for Veterans seeking to retain college education benefits of the New GI Bill, has launched an online petition urging public and private universities to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. University involvement diversifies campuses, and makes the best college education accessible and affordable to more soldiers. Without participation, the success of the program is in jeopardy.

The New GI Bill pays public, in-state college tuition for qualified veterans. The Yellow Ribbon Program allows Veterans to attend private, out-of-state public or graduate schools. When schools participate, they receive additional tuition funding from the government equal to the same amount of financial aid provided by the institution. This money helps pay the full costs of college tuition for Veterans and their families.

Only those students who are enrolled in schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program will benefit from this tuition waiver. Unfortunately, the Veteran’s Administration expects only a limited number of schools to sign on, which prevents usage of the program and its ability to help Veterans improve career prospects with a college degree.

Along with ensuring better access to a quality education, the Yellow Ribbon Program:

• Provides more education funding for local communities. A minimum estimate of $7.92 billion, or an additional $6,989 per veteran, of total funding available may be lost from the New GI Bill.
• Diversifies student populations by extending the university’s reach into the military, which is the most diverse employer in the world. This allows college campuses more opportunities for racial, socio-economic, religious integration.
• Is a good investment of public funds. The GI Bill was one of the best investments ever made by the federal government. For every tax dollar committed to the program, there was an eight dollar return on government investment.
• Provides an effective working model for public-private sector partnerships. A critical step toward helping to revive our economy.

“Participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program is simply the right thing to do,” said Greg Eisenbarth, founder of YellowRibbonProgram.org. “Many of the best schools in our nation today owe their very existence to the Veterans of World War II and the education funding they received from the original GI Bill. It’s time we supported our troops again and by doing so everyone benefits.”

YellowRibbonProgram.org allows Veterans, their families and all supporters to send a clear message to our nation’s universities to participate in the program before it’s too late. Individuals can show their support by visiting YellowRibbonProgram.org today and adding their name to the online petition.

Coming in April, YellowRibbonSchools.net will be available for Veterans to select schools who are participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program of the New GI Bill.

About YellowRibbonProgram.org

YellowRibbonProgram.org is a public service website for Veterans seeking to retain full college education benefits of the New GI Bill. More information is available by visiting www.yellowribbonprogram.org or by calling 435.649.2190.

SOURCE: Yahoo News Press Release