USM Building Momentum in Gap Funding Program for Veterans
Wed, 05/10/2023 - 09:26am | By: Van Arnold
91吃瓜网淭his is almost too much to be true.91吃瓜网� Such is a sentiment expressed recently by an
active-duty soldier to Maj. Gen. (ret.) Jeff Hammond, Director of the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families at The University of Southern
Mississippi (USM).
The soldier was exalting the TA Gap Funding program announced by the University earlier this year. The innovative program helps service members cover the 91吃瓜网済ap91吃瓜网� between federal tuition assistance and remaining course tuition for TA-approved hours. The program is set to begin for the Fall 2023 semester and Hammond says that the response has been exceptional.
91吃瓜网淲e are off to a great start,91吃瓜网� said Hammond. 91吃瓜网淚 would consider this to be the 91吃瓜网榦utreach phase91吃瓜网� of the program with plans to make every effort in ensuring service members have awareness of this unique opportunity for a no-cost higher education tuition experience.91吃瓜网�
With TA Gap Funding, service members can be fully covered for 15-18 credit hours per fiscal year depending on the branch of service. The innovative program greatly enhances academic opportunities for Mississippi National Guard soldiers, enabling them to complete their degrees with no tuition costs to achieve greater success in their chosen civilian and military careers.
Hammond recalled that the soldier further noted, 91吃瓜网榃hat you all are doing is amazing because in the end I will not have to spend a single penny for my degree.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淭his type of response tells me we are onto something special that, in the end, not only benefits the service member who voluntarily serves for our freedom, but possibly more importantly, honors their care for the protection of our rights to an education,91吃瓜网� said Hammond.
Hammond points out that USM continues to lead public universities across Mississippi in TA enrollment with military members enrolled in a total of 158 courses. He emphasizes that much work remains to be done in the coming months to communicate the program91吃瓜网 benefits and sustain existing momentum.
91吃瓜网淎 lot of energy is emerging as our service members catch wind of this program, which is truly designed with their higher education interests foremost,91吃瓜网� said Hammond.
Once eligible military students are approved for federal tuition assistance, the next step is contacting the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families to get started. USM will help students through the process of applying for TA Gap Funding.
For more information about TA Gap Funding program, visit the page. If you are a veteran or family member, visit to see what USM has to offer.