The Department of Defense and the Department of Labor have joined together to spend $32 million for a two year test program designed to open the doors to our military spouses of active duty junior enlisted and junior officers for more fulfilling careers. Under the program, spouses will be reimbursed for expenses directly related to post-secondary education and training, including costs for tuition, fees, books, equipment, and credentialing and licensing fees required for careers in education, health care, information technology, construction trades, financial services, and other “high-growth, portable” fields. The program also covers the cost of renewing existing credentials and licenses due to a military move.

According to an American Forces Press Service article, Beginning in January, the new program will launch at 18 military installations in eight states: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, North Carolina and Washington. Spouses of active-duty servicemembers grades E1 through E5 and O1 to O3 will be eligible to participate. They must have a high school or general education diploma.