HU grant empowers military personnel in pursuit of teaching degrees

Heidelberg University has received a $150,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Development (DEW) that will help eliminate barriers for military personnel and their spouses who want to pursue a career as a teacher.

The Empower VetEd: Supporting Military Educator Prep Program grant initiative will provide financial assistance up to $6,200 for tuition, books, fees and meal plans for active-duty military, National Guard and Reservist members, veterans and their spouses who are looking to enroll in or complete a teacher prep program, said Dr. Carole Thomas, director of Career and Military Services at Heidelberg and the grant’s co-author.

“Not only will this opportunity increase the educator pipeline and bolster workforce readiness in our state, but it could change lives,” Carole said. “Heidelberg is excited to work with DEW and the Department of Veterans Services to expand educational opportunities for veterans and their families.

“Providing academic pathways for employment is one way we can give back to those who serve our country,” she added.

In all, Heidelberg will award 12 annual scholarships – two the first year and five in each of the second and third years over the life of the grant.

In addition to the military personnel or spouse requirement, those who receive grant funding must be entering or continuing in a Pre-K—12 education program such as Heidelberg’s School of Education. The school is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) and offers licensure options in Primary Education (PreK-5), Middle Childhood (Grades 4-9), Adolescent to Young Adult (Grades 7-12), Intervention Specialist and Multi-Age Music (PreK-12).

Those who qualify for Empower VetEd grant funds will also have access to support resources at Heidelberg, including a new student organization, the Student Military Support Alliance. Heidelberg also participates in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program in partnership with the Veterans Administration to fund tuition and has been designated as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus, which recognizes colleges and universities that are supportive and inclusive of military-connected students. Additionally, Empower VetEd participants may be eligible for academic credit for service.

For more info about the Empower VetEd program or to see if you are eligible, please email Dr. Carole Thomas at cthoma3@heidelberg.edu or call (419) 448-2055.