University of the Sciences in Philadelphia has joined nearly 700 colleges nationwide with the new Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program. The program gives colleges the opportunity to match dollar-for-dollar with the federal government in paying additional funds to that of the original 9/11 GI Bill benefits. The 9/11 GI Bill provides veterans with a tuition benefit equal to that of the highest public in-state undergraduate college in the state in which they enroll. The Yellow Ribbon Program takes the next step in assisting veterans.
“University of the Sciences is thrilled to be a part of the Yellow Ribbon program,” said University President Dr. Philip Gerbino. “This program will give us the opportunity to honor our brave troops and show our sincere gratitude for their service in such an unstable global environment.”
Under the program, colleges set a maximum number of qualified veterans whom they will aid and allocate a specific dollar amount per student that the institution will be able to assist. Veterans must have served for at least 36 months after 9/11, been discharged due to a disability after 30 days of duty, or have been labeled for Transfer of Entitlement under the bill in order to become eligible for the program.
University of the Sciences has agreed to accept up to 10 veterans (or their eligible entitled dependents) who can receive support with a school contribution of up to $8,000 per year per student, meaning veterans have the opportunity to attain up to an additional $16,000 of funds to what is already received from the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The Department of Veterans Affairs (www.va.gov) is accepting applications for veterans who qualify for the program. The initial funds go toward this upcoming fall semester.
The Yellow Ribbon Program simply recognizes the sacrifices our veterans make and provides a way to give back.