The MyCAA scholarship provides eligible spouses of service members access to education and training to pursue new and portable career opportunities across the United States Read on for more details regarding the program.
Can you use MyCAA more than once? The answer can be confusing. Eligible military spouses who have already participated in the program cannot use MyCAA federal education benefits to pursue a new career path. However, you can use portions of the funds allotted during different times.
[toc]What is the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship?
The My Career Advance Account Scholarship (MyCAA) is a workforce development program. The scholarship provides up to $4,000 in tuition assistance for spouses of active duty service members to help them find a portable career field.
Related: How does MyCAA work?
MyCAA funding is available to spouses of active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, or National Guard/ARG service members in pay grades E-1 to E-5, O-1 to O-2, and W-1 to W-2.
Can military spouses use MyCAA twice?
The MyCAA scholarship will cover up to $2,000 of tuition each year for two years, coming to a total of $4,000 in financial assistance. Eligible military spouses who have already participated in the program cannot use MyCAA federal education benefits to pursue a new career path.
However, spouse participants may apply their remaining funds to a new Education/Training Plan. Speak with your SECO career coach to learn more about making adjustments to your MyCAA account.
Can I Use MyCAA if I already have a degree?
If you already have a degree but are interested in pursuing a career change, you may qualify for MyCAA financial assistance so long as the program has been approved.
The MyCAA program applies to licenses, certifications, national tests, or associate’s degrees needed to pursue an occupation or career field. It does not cover bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees, meaning you will not be able to apply any financial assistance to further education for your specific concentration.
MyCAA may cover individual courses included in a master’s degree or doctoral program if they provide credentials necessary for employment.
What programs will MyCAA pay for?
The MyCAA program will help military spouses pay for licenses, certificates, and certifications from accredited colleges, career training schools, and technical schools or approved testing organizations to earn employment or portable career opportunities across the United States.
Eligible spouses may receive funding for continuing education courses, so long as they are received from a participating institution.
The MyCAA program also offers employment readiness counseling from an approved career coach to help participants identify promising career opportunities. Additional support resources may be provided, including childcare, transportation, books, computers, equipment, supplies, and more.
When they are ready to enter the workforce, students will be granted referrals for career opportunities provided by military-friendly employers, including the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, USAJOBS.gov, CareerOneStop.org, and Blue Star Families Blue Star Career Center.
MyCAA funds, provided by the Department of Defense, only apply to approved programs. Spouses may not use scholarship funds for study abroad programs or associate degrees in General Studies, Liberal Arts, and interdisciplinary associate degrees that do not have a concentration.
Check out our post on MyCAA Benefits for more information.
Do you have to pay back MyCAA if you fail?
If you fail your program, you will not be required to pay back the financial assistance provided by the MyCAA program. Instead, your account will be permanently locked, and the Department of Defense will withhold funds until the course is complete. To unlock your account, you must contact a MyCAA Career and Education Consultant.
FAQs
Can I use MyCAA and the GI Bill®?
Yes, ICOHS College allows students to use GI Bill benefits with their MyCAA funding. Remember, MyCAA funds can only be used on tuition costs, so it’s best to use those funds before using financial assistance provided by the GI Bill to pay for your tuition.
‘‘GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs(VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the officialU.S. government Web site at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/.”
How long does it take to get MyCAA approved?
The review process can take up to 14 business days. Military spouses will not be able to apply for the My Career Advancement Account scholarship until their Education and Training plan has been approved.
Does MyCAA give you a laptop?
Yes, Career Step will provide a loan laptop for MyCAA military spouses enrolled in programs that include ebook textbooks. Some schools will allow graduates to purchase the computer at a discounted price upon completion of the program.
Do you have to pay back MyCAA funds if you don’t finish your degree?
Because MyCAA is considered a scholarship, not a loan, students are not responsible for returning the funds if they do not finish their program or degree. However, if a spouse receives a failing grade or withdraws from a class paid for my MyCAA funding, their ability to apply for additional assistance will be stopped.
