NBJ PR Wire

VA Education Benefits Not Just for College

Release Date: November 20, 2006

New GI Bill choices for active and retired military

In today's high tech world, many veterans and active duty military are finding technical education more suitable to their career goals than a college degree. Congress recognized this fact in 2002 when the revised the Montgomery GI Bill to include a new special pay provision. That provision, known as Accelerated Pay, permits a lump sum payment of 60% of tuition and fees for certain high cost, high tech programs.

Traditional Montgomery GI Bill benefits are paid monthly based on continuing college attendance. Accelerated Pay recognizes the brief and intense training typical of a high tech program and pays the student a lump sum shortly after starting their training. To qualify, the VA requires the student be enrolled in a high tech program and certify they intend to seek employment in a high tech industry.

One of the high tech programs that qualify for Accelerated Pay is Computer/Information Technology (IT). In studies done by the US Department of Labor and the State of Nevada, Information Technology jobs ranked near the top of their lists of fastest growing occupations.

The Learning Center in Las Vegas, NV is a VA approved school offering Information Technology training under the Accelerated Pay provision. Students can choose from a wide variety of computer, networking and IT security programs that fit their individual career goals.

Linda Montgomery, Owner and President of The Learning Center, stated, "as a long time and active support of our military, we are pleased to offer scholarships that, when combined with the student’s VA benefits, results in no out-of-pocket cost". For both active duty and veterans this is a significant factor in their career training choice. "A program of this kind for the benefit of both active and retired, is to be commended" commented a recent student and retired U.S. Navy Master Chief.

With regard to the training at The Learning Center, Norman McLeod currently a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Nellis had these comments. "The Personal Computer Network Specialist program provided by The Learning Center is the most innovative and challenging educational experience of my life". Sergeant McLeod goes on to say, "I recommend this program to anyone who wants to further their IT career". The retired Navy Master Chief echoed those sentiments with words like "superb", "wow", "the best" in describing the school’s staff.

Montgomery adds, "we consider it an honor to offer this kind of career support for our troops and veterans".

For more information about the Montgomery GI Bill and Accelerated Pay, visit the VA web site at www.gibill.va.gov. Information about The Learning Center, visit their web site at www.tlclasvegas.com.

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