Veterans and Military Education
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The Department of Education has been designated by the governor of the state of Iowa as the location for the Iowa State Approving Agency. The State Approving Agency is responsible for approving all GI Bill programs in Iowa for veterans and other eligible persons. Program approval is a function of the State not the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The Iowa State Approving Agency (SAA) has been contracted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to approve GI Bill programs in the State of Iowa for veterans and other eligible persons. Each state has a SAA whose function is to inspect, approve, and supervise qualified educational programs as well as on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs for GI Bill purposes. Recently, approval has extended to include required licensure and certification tests. The State's approval is necessary before veterans and other eligible persons can receive their GI Bill benefits.
Program Overview
Our unit assists educational institutions and their staffs by providing in-depth technical assistance, outreach activities, and liaison with other organizations and agencies. We provide educational and career assistance for veterans and other eligible persons in accordance with the standards and provisions of Title 38, U.S.C., Chapters 30,32,35 and 36 and Chapter 1606 of Title 10, U.S.C.
Vision
Our goal is to ensure that every veteran, reservist, and eligible person has a full and fair opportunity to reach his or her full potential in whatever educational direction they choose. Our role is to ensure that quality instruction and ethical administration is provided for every veteran/eligible person and reservist who enters an approved educational or training program in the state of Iowa.
Clients and Stakeholders
The clients and stakeholders we serve in Iowa include veterans, National Guard and Reservists, dependents of disabled veterans or of those who died on active duty, school administrators, school certifying officials, military education officers, company and industrial personnel, labor coordinators, and any other persons who work with expanding the career opportunities of veterans in our state.
Educational Programs
We review all educational programs in the state and only approve those that meet the high standards required by the VA and state law.
On-the-Job Training/Apprenticeship Programs
Eligible individuals under the GI Bill may choose to learn by working on the job through approved On-theJob Training/Apprenticeship Programs.
Approved Programs
Iowa Directory of Certifying Officials (updated April 2013) - A directory of schools offering approved programs for use by veterans and other eligible persons for GI Bill program benefits in Iowa.
On-the-Job and Apprenticeship Approved Programs - A directory of on-the-job Training/Apprenticeship Establishments with approved programs for veterans in Iowa.
Certifying Officials
Certifying officials are representatives authorized to sign and submit forms to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs on behalf of veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members and their dependents. Certifying officials verify enrollment, document changes in status, and report circumstances affecting benefits.
Below are resources for use by certifying officials:
VA School Certifying Officials Quick Reference Guide
Iowa SAA 2011 April New Certifying Officials Training
Iowa Directory of Certifying Officials (updated April 2013) - A directory of schools offering approved programs for use by veterans and other eligible persons for GI Bill program benefits in Iowa.
Other Educational Assistance Information
Work-Study Allowance Program Supervisor Handbook - November 2010
On-The-Job Training/Apprenticeship Resource Materials
On-the-Job and Apprenticeship Approved Programs
Veteran Benefits/Resources
On-the-Job and Apprenticeship Approved Programs
Educational Assistance Links
Certifiying Officials Directory for Veterans
Military Officers of America Scholarship Fund
Tuition Assistance from GO ARMY ED
Iowa National Guard Educational Assistance Grant (NGEAP)
Non-Educational Benefit Links
Veterans Administration Sites
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
Veteran Service Information
Military Service Records - locate DD-214 and other records
Career Exploration
O*NET Online - translates military duties into civilian terminology
Kuder - career assessment tool
ACT - National Career Readiness Certificate
Employment
Brain Injury Information
Defense & Veterans Brain Injury Center
Brain Injury Association of America
Educational Assistance for Military Children
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children
This Interstate Compact, aims at addressing perceived inequities facing school children of military parents when they are required to relocate across state lines. The Compact allows the laws of the "sending" state to apply to transferring students from military families in the school of the "receiving" state for such policies as graduation requirements, advanced placement, and age of student enrollment. Additional information on this Compact can be found on the Council of State Government website.
Military School Liaison Officers
Iowa has two Military School Liaison Officers. Both are able to work with children of any military service branch.
Stan Stout
Child and Youth Program Coordinator
Iowa National Guard
JFHQ A-1, Room 186
7105 NW 70th Avenue
Johnston, IA 50131
Office 515-252-4040
Cell: 515-689-2617
Fax: 515-727-3103
Jason Follett
225 East Army Post Road
Fort Des Moines Army Reserve Center
Building 100
Des Moines, IA 50315
Office: 515-285-4692x3042
Cell: 404-988-1812
Informational Website for Educators
American Association of School Administrators
Military Child Education Coalition
Other Resources available to Iowa's Military Children
Operation: Military Kids in Iowa - the goal of OMK is to connect military children and youth with local resources in order for them to achieve a sense of community support and to enhance their well-being. For more information, contact:
Ms. Chris Gleason
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, IA 50011-3630
515.294.1557
Military OneSource - Assistance with education, relocation, parenting, stress, etc.
Contact Information
Iowa Department of Education
Division of Community Colleges
Veterans and Military Education
400 East 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Fax Number: 515-242-5988
Thomas Beasley, Consultant
thomas.beasley@iowa.gov
515-725-2865
Michael Dommer, Consultant
michael.dommer@iowa.gov
515-281-3516
Rebecca Griglione, Support
rebecca.griglione@iowa.gov
515-281-3317