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Program Gives College Help to Veterans
posted 07/31/09
6:56 pm
The GI Bill pays for tuition and fees, but at a public, instate school. That's why federal leaders came up with the Yellow Ribbon Program, to include private schools if those schools so choose. And that means some veterans will be able to go back to school, closer to home.
25-year-old Matt Kidd is unpacking - and for the first time in a while, he's not just on leave. "Decided to join the Navy because I could travel a lot, see a lot of places," Kidd said.
But after four years of service, Kidd was ready to come back home and stay put. "Once you get back, you're kind... kind of say, I guess Lynchburg's not that bad of a place to grow up and live," Kidd said.
A chance at a full ride to Lynchburg College (web) also helped him make his decision. He's one of possibly 10 post 9-11 veterans who will be on campus this fall.
Michelle Davis at Lynchburg College said, "Most of them have been active duty, they've been in Iraq (web | news) and Afghanistan and they deserve the chance to come back and be full-time students."
Lynchburg College not only chose to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, they chose to completely waive tuition and fees.
"And then the post 9-11 GI bill provides a 1000 dollar book allowance and they also provide for a housing allowance depending on the zipcode of the school," Davis said.
Not only does Kidd appreciate the financial support. “It's less stressful, I can come back, be around friends and family I haven't been around for several years," Kidd said.
He's thanking the Yellow Ribbon Program, and LC, for letting him get hometown support as well. "Hopefully it will continue to grow and other colleges will follow Lynchburg College and become participants," he said.
And there are other private schools in our area are participating - including Randolph College (web) , Liberty University (web) , and Sweet Briar College.
Click her for a list of participating schools.
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