The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program seeks to provide funding and other assistance for military spouses to train in portable careers that can easily transfer to different locations in conjunction with the service member's career. Most military bases have education centers which provide guidance in the right financial and career development choices for you. In addition MyCAA's website provides links to organizations that help spouses find school programs and funding, both in the United States and military bases worldwide.
ThanksUSA describes its organization as a "non-partisan, charitable effort to mobilize Americans of all ages to 'thank' the men and women of the United States armed forces." They "thank" members of the U.S. military by providing need-based scholarships to military dependents for college, technical and vocational programs. Eligible dependents include children under the age of 24 (as of the application deadline) and spouses. Potential candidates must have a high school diploma or be a current high school senior intending to enroll in a college, technical or vocational school, or currently be enrolled in an accredited program. Candidates must have a minimum 2.0 grade-point average. Interested dependents can apply through the ThanksUSA website.
For 2011, Kaplan University teamed up with ThanksUSA to offer one full undergraduate scholarship to an eligible military spouse of an active-duty service member pursing a first-time degree (associate or bachelor's degree). Kaplan University also offers Educational Support Scholarships, intended to provide partial tuition coverage of up to 50 percent for those pursuing a degree through Kaplan University. Interested spouses should apply through the ThanksUSA website, and note that Kaplan University is the chosen school program.
Dependents' Educational Assistance offers financial aid to dependents of veterans who died, are disabled or missing in action during active service. Only VA-approved programs will be funded, and you must confirm approval prior to applying for benefits. If your program is not already approved, VA will provide information to you and the school on approval requirements. To apply, complete VA Form 22-5490, which can be found on the Veterans Affairs website, under the Veterans Services tab.