On behalf of the nearly 10,000 currently serving Virginia National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and their Families, our retirees and alumni, we urge you to support this bill.
Virginia National Guard personnel reside in nearly every zip code, in every county, and in every community across our great Commonwealth.
In essence, House Bill 1595 aims to eliminate barriers hindering the effective implementation of the Virginia National Guard’s State Tuition Assistance Program. One major impediment faced by National Guard personnel is the requirement for the Commonwealth to issue grants before the start of the semester.
Currently, Soldiers and Airmen are burdened with meeting initial financial obligations, leading to the need for reimbursement through the state and, in many cases, reliance on student loans. Unfortunately, the STAP falls short in addressing the accruing interest on these loans, placing an unjust financial burden on our dedicated service members. This highlights the urgent need for a more comprehensive and supportive financial framework.
Furthermore, the bill addresses academic performance by shifting the focus from individual course grades to overall achievement. The existing program's requirement of a minimum grade of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for each course poses challenges for students facing unexpected circumstances, such as sudden mobilization or changing majors. Streamlining the code to prioritize overall academic performance ensures that the STAP adapts to unforeseen circumstances, promoting a more compassionate and adaptable approach to supporting students in their academic journey.
Your support for House Bill 1595 will significantly contribute to the well-being of our National Guard members and fortify the foundation of higher education institutions in our state.
We kindly urge you to champion this bill, ensuring that our Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen receive the support they rightfully deserve.
On behalf of the nearly 10,000 currently serving Virginia National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and their Families, our retirees and alumni, we urge you to support this bill. Virginia National Guard personnel reside in nearly every zip code, in every county, and in every community across our great Commonwealth. In essence, House Bill 1595 aims to eliminate barriers hindering the effective implementation of the Virginia National Guard’s State Tuition Assistance Program. One major impediment faced by National Guard personnel is the requirement for the Commonwealth to issue grants before the start of the semester. Currently, Soldiers and Airmen are burdened with meeting initial financial obligations, leading to the need for reimbursement through the state and, in many cases, reliance on student loans. Unfortunately, the STAP falls short in addressing the accruing interest on these loans, placing an unjust financial burden on our dedicated service members. This highlights the urgent need for a more comprehensive and supportive financial framework. Furthermore, the bill addresses academic performance by shifting the focus from individual course grades to overall achievement. The existing program's requirement of a minimum grade of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for each course poses challenges for students facing unexpected circumstances, such as sudden mobilization or changing majors. Streamlining the code to prioritize overall academic performance ensures that the STAP adapts to unforeseen circumstances, promoting a more compassionate and adaptable approach to supporting students in their academic journey. Your support for House Bill 1595 will significantly contribute to the well-being of our National Guard members and fortify the foundation of higher education institutions in our state. We kindly urge you to champion this bill, ensuring that our Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen receive the support they rightfully deserve.