1. What is MyCAA?
Sponsored by the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program, MyCAA is a career development and employment assistance initiative that provides financial assistance to military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or associate degree in an approved field or occupation. Most career-oriented programs and occupations meet MyCAA qualifications, but liberal arts degrees such as an associate in general studies, liberal arts, or interdisciplinary studies do not qualify for MyCAA funding.
2. Am I eligible for a MyCAA Scholarship?
Are you the spouse of a member of the U.S. military who is on active duty? Do you hold a high school diploma or its equivalent? If so, you may qualify for funding to pursue your education through one of the MyCAA approved programs. Military spouses who already hold a bachelor’s degree, who serve in the military themselves, or who are spouses of a member of the Coast Guard do not generally qualify for MyCAA funding. Spouses of National Guard or Reserve members could be eligible if their spouses are severely injured, ill, wounded, or killed in action. Other qualifications may apply, so prospective applicants should contact Military One Source for the most up-to-date information about eligibility.
3. How does a MyCAA grant work?
MyCAA funding provides around $2,000 per year—up to a total of $4,000—for eligible students pursuing qualifying programs. Spouses of active-duty service members in the program also benefit from counseling to help them identify financial assistance options, expand their career choices, and locate additional support resources for school.
If you are a military spouse seeking to receive a MyCAA grant, visit the MyCAA website and provide your profile information. MyCAA will verify your eligibility through a real-time DEERS check. Eligible recipients then create an education and training plan and request financial assistance once within 60–15 days of their course start date.
4. How do I get started with MyCAA?
Military spouses interested in furthering their career options should start by verifying their eligibility for a MyCAA grant. Then, invest concentrated time to browse through career options. After deciding on a path, it’s time to select a program from the participating, approved MyCAA schools.
Confused about what to pursue? Consider one of MedCerts’ MyCAA-eligible programs. MedCerts is rated as the best non-traditional Military Spouse Friendly School and offers personalized, short-term online training in healthcare and IT. Contact us today and get a no-cost education to jumpstart your next career.
