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Military and Military Spouse Career Training

Blackstone Works With You

Experience more opportunity and earning potential with Blackstone Career Training Programs. Your opportunities for success are wide open. BCI adapts to your busy military schedule and fully supports your academic endeavors from beginning to end.

We are a Military Friendly School three years running!

Pursuing Higher Education

BCI knows that starting your education is a big decision and that you want to make an informed choice. These are some things to consider:

  • What are your goals?
  • Gaining a civilian job while in the National Guard or Army Reserve?
  • Civilian transition?
  • Military advancement and promotion points?
  • Military Retirement points?

Blackstone Career Institute is Accredited

What is accreditation? Accreditation is the process of evaluating a school or educational training program to determine whether it meets standards set up by an accrediting organization. Here are some benefits of accreditation:

  • Approved by DANTES
  • A reliable indicator of quality
  • Approved program(s) of study
  • Qualified instructors
  • Students have successfully completed courses
  • Recognition by employers and schools nationwide

Military Tuition Assistance

Make the most of your military tuition assistance benefits. As a service member, your branch’s tuition assistance program may cover up to 100% of the cost of your education at Blackstone Career Institute. This means that you can get your career training without having to pay anything out-of-pocket. Learn more about your military TA education options by clicking here.

Veteran’s Benefits

As a veteran, you have education benefits available to you. The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has approved education programs offered by Blackstone Career Institute. You will find admission representatives and school certifying officials available to assist you with completing the proper forms for enrollment.

Here are the steps you need to take:

  • Determine your eligibility—You can speak directly with VA education representative, using a toll free number (888) 442-4551 (888-GI Bill 1), who can answer questions, advise you on eligibility for the different chapters, and provide instructions on the application process. You can also review information on the GI Bill website.
  • Complete the necessary forms—You can get printed applications from regional VA offices and most active duty military stations. The Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990) is the main document needed by the VA. Depending on your eligibility and the VA criteria for various programs, additional forms may be needed. You can visit the VA web address to either print off application forms or apply online using VONAPP.
  • File your application with the VA—If you do not choose to apply online using VONAPP, mail the VA forms to: VA Regional Office, P. O. Box 8888, Muskogee, OK 74402-8888. Applying online will shorten the time to set up a VA student record.
  • Complete the university admissions process and pay tuition—Enroll for a program and provide payment. Inform your admissions representative that you applied for VA education benefits, request a copy of Blackstone Career Institute’s Veteran Information Form, and ask him or her to certify your enrollment for the VA.
  • VA completes the application process—Once the VA receives your application, a VA representative will contact the DOD to verify your entitlement and set up an account for you. The student certification information submitted to the VA by Blackstone Career Institute is used by the VA to calculate education payments.

Enroll today! >> or call 800.826.9228

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

Blackstone Career Institute is proud to support the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program sponsored by the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor. Under this initiative, eligible military spouses are now able to receive up to $4,000 of MyCAA Financial Assistance for training in target industries that represent portable careers. Blackstone’s career training programs qualify for this program:

Click here to get started by beginning your application for MyCAA funded training with Blackstone. Have questions? Click here for a list of frequently asked questions.

MyCAA Program Sponsor

Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community & Family Policy (DUSD/MC&FP)

Program Description

The Department of Defense’s expanded Military Spouse Employment Opportunities Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program provides Financial Assistance to spouses of active-duty service members who are interested in pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to employment opportunities in high growth, high demand portable employment opportunities fields.

Who Is Eligible?

Spouses of active duty and activated National Guard and Reserve service members.

The period of eligibility for spouses of Guard and Reserve members is from the date of the Alert or Warning Order for Military Recall or Mobilization, through activation and deployment until 180 days following De-Mobilization.

Military spouses who are military members themselves are not eligible. Military members have education benefits provided through the Military Voluntary Education Tuition Assistance (TA) Program. Military spouses who are legally separated by state law or court order are also not eligible.

What MyCAA Pays For

MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) pays for expenses such as secondary and post-secondary education and training programs, tuition and licensing fees. This includes degree programs, continuing education classes (including those offered through professional associations at conferences), Bar, CPA and other similar exams, state certifications for teachers, medical professionals and similar licensed professionals.

MyCAA does not pay for computers, school application fees, graduation fees, student activity cards, child care, parking, transportation, or medical services. NOTE: If the cost of a course includes books, supplies or other necessary equipment, MyCAA will cover that cost. Payments are made directly to schools using MyCAA’s electronic payment system.

How MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) Works

A military spouse can apply for MyCAA Financial Assistance after completing a MyCAA Career and Training Plan.

  • A Career and Training Plan includes the spouse’s career field, name of school and courses chosen by the spouse. Courses may be added to a MyCAA Career and Training Plan at any time.
  • Financial Assistance (FA) Requests for courses in the Career and Training Plan are made each time a spouse is ready to enroll in those courses at his/her school. Requests must be submitted via the MyCAA account system prior to the start date of each course.
  • Financial Assistance requests must have correct school names, course codes, titles of courses, start/end dates and course costs. Otherwise, they risk being rejected.
  • Financial Assistance requests may be cancelled or edited up to ten days prior to the start of a course or program. FA requests guarantee to the school that MyCAA will pay for the spouse’s seat in the course (classroom or online) that is being held.

How to Get Started

Eligible spouses who are ready to explore portable careers options and develop a career goal and plan should establish a MyCAA Account by visiting the MyCAA website. This is an easy, self-help process. Once spouse profile information is provided, DoD will verify MyCAA eligibility through DEERS.

Who Can Help Spouses

Military spouses can help themselves:

  • Visit the MyCAA website and establish an account.
  • Develop a Career and Training Plan as soon as possible. MyCAA does not reimburse for classes that have already started.
  • Email mycaahelp@militaryonesource.com for MyCAA technical support.

School Academic Advisors can help spouses:

  • Choose a program, licensing and certification exams, a major or course of study.
  • Select classes for their MyCAA Career and Training Plan. Be sure to get correct school name, course codes, titles of courses, start/end dates and course costs from the school to avoid having FA requests be rejected.

Military OneSource can help spouses:

By calling (800) 342-9647, Military OneSource/Education Consultants can help spouses:

  • Explore career interests and look at school options.
  • Develop Career and Training Plans.

Benefits of a Blackstone Education

BCI provides more than just an education. We provide an encouraging learning environment that meets the unique needs of today’s service members and their families.

  • 100% Online
  • Military Tuition Assistance/MyCAA Accepted
  • Available Worldwide
  • Self-Paced, Supportive
  • Textbooks included as part of the course and shipped directly to you

Enroll today! >> or call 800.826.9228

Frequently Asked Questions for Military Personnel and Military Spouses

Will I be able to use my military tuition assistance benefits at Blackstone Career institute?

Yes, you may use your military tuition assistance benefits at Blackstone.

Why is Blackstone Career institute a good choice for military students?

The affordability and flexibility of Blackstone’s education programs meet the educational needs of both the military and its service member. Blackstone’s students can study anywhere they may be stationed in the world.

What is a Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)?

The Department of Defense (DoD) Military Spouse Career Advancement Account, also known as MyCAA, provides employment, career, education/training, counseling and Financial Assistance for spouses of active duty and activated Reserve Component (Guard and Reserve) Service members world-wide.

What kind of Financial Assistance is available through MyCAA?

The Internet-based MyCAA tool allows spouses to apply for up to $4,000 in Financial Assistance for education, training, licensing or certification necessary for portable careers.

Who is eligible for MyCAA?

Spouses married to anactive duty Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine service member, or activated Reserve member in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, or O1-O2 are eligible for MyCAA.

If National Guard and/or AGR, sponsor must be on federal Title 10 active duty orders as reported in DEERS.

Can I use MyCAA in conjunction with my VA benefits?

MyCAA cannot be used at the same time as VA benefits. Students should use MyCAA first, and when MyCAA resources are exhausted, they should use VA funding.

How do I get started with MyCAA?

Eligible spouses can establish a MyCAA account starting October 25, 2010, by visiting the MyCAA website, https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa. Once spouse profile information is provided, MyCAA will verify spouse eligibility through the Defense Eligibility and Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS). Eligible spouses will be allowed to create their Career and Training Plan and request Financial Assistance when they are within 90 days of course start dates. Additionally, spouses are responsible for applying to their selected school or program and enrolling in each course included in their approved MyCAA Career and Training Plan(s). Until October 21, 2010, spouses with an active MyCAA account may request financial assistance up to $6,000 for classes.