Many military spouses dream of a rewarding career in healthcare or information technology, but frequent relocations and unexpected deployments can make that dream feel distant. Fortunately, the MyCAA program is here to help make it a reality.
The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA), a scholarship program specifically for military spouses, is here to ease your concerns. Here’s a beginner’s guide to MyCAA, including what it is, how it works and how to get started.
What is MyCAA and How Does it Work?
MyCAA is a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)-funded workforce development program that provides financial assistance to eligible military spouses. The scholarship can cover tuition costs for training courses, education and exams leading to an associate degree. However, it doesn’t cover associate degrees in liberal arts, general studies and interdisciplinary studies.
Not every career requires a 2 or 4-year degree to get started, and MyCAA can help you get your foot in the door with a certificate or license from an accredited technical school, university or college. This also includes enrolling in approved testing organizations to enhance your portable career prospects.
The program provides tuition assistance of a total of $4,000, with a cap of $2,000 per fiscal year over a two-year period.
In addition to financial assistance, you can access career counseling through the SECO (Spouse Education and Career Opportunities) program. This resource helps you explore, find and succeed in your chosen career path.
Who is Eligible for MyCAA?
This scholarship program is available to spouses of active-duty military personnel in pay grades O-1 to O-3, W-1 to W-3 and E-1 to E-9. To qualify, you must be able to start and complete your program while your partner is on Title 10 military orders, which are federal orders that can activate military personnel for national defense or overseas deployments. You are also eligible if you are married to a member of the National Guard or Reserve component in these same pay grades.
How Can You Get Started?
To sign up for the program, you’ll need DS Logon credentials to create an account on the MyCAA webpage. You can obtain these credentials by enrolling in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Once logged into MyCAA, create a profile and follow the steps to set up your Education and Training Plan, which should include the following:
- Specific career objectives
- The classes or sessions you wish to attend
- The institution where you will enroll
After submitting your plan, expect a response within 10 business days. Upon approval, you can request financial aid, and MyCAA will handle the rest.
Choose MedCert’s MyCAA-Approved Programs
MedCerts offers a variety of programs eligible for MyCAA funding in high-demand fields like healthcare and IT. By enrolling, you’ll gain access to flexible online training and support from a dedicated team to guide you through the MyCAA process. Check out our MyCAA-approved programs and take advantage of the perks available to military spouses as you build your career.
