130 Hawaii Military Guide • Summer-Fall 2026 ADULT EDUCATION Comparison Tool on the VA website can help you explore and compare your education and training options. POST- 9/11 GI BILL More than 80 percent of all GI Bill users fall under the Post-9/11 GI Bill offering educational assistance to those serving on Active Duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits are payable for training pursued on or after Aug. 1, 2009. No payments can be made under this program for training pursued before that date. For payment percentages, books/supplies stipend, active duty completion requirements and more, you may visit Benefits.va.gov/gibill. To stay current, scroll below tabs on the left side of the page and subscribe to the VA’s Monthly Benefits Newsletter. Also, call (800) 6982411 and select “5” and then “2”. Or contact the DoD or your military service branch. FOREVER GI BILL Signed into law in August 2017, the H arry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act (also known as the Forever GI Bill) brings significant changes to Veterans’ education benefits that include expanding eligibility, restoring lost benefits, and transfer of benefits. Visit VA.gov. Or check the website for provisions and revisions to policies on: • Purple Heart Recipients • Eligibility for Yellow Ribbon Program • Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) • Priority Enrollment • Independent study at technical schools and non-institutions of higher learning (IHLs) • Work-Study Expansion • Fry Scholarship Recipients In August 2021, the Department of Veterans Affairs began accepting MILITARY PROGRAMS SPECIAL NOTE: Smoking and tobacco use, including vaping, are prohibited on all 10 of the University of Hawaii campuses. The law covers use (but not possession) of cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco. WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE Nestled at the base of the beautiful Ko‘olau Mountains in Windward Oahu, Windward CC welcomes active military and spouses stationed in Hawaii, offering veteran education benefits, personalized academic support with peer mentors to help students navigate college programs, and online and flexible schedules for busy working adults. Options for achieving a college education are: • Two-year online associate in arts degrees in business, entrepreneurship, and Hawaiian studies • Two-year associate in science degrees in veterinary technology and natural sciences • Online degrees in business, entrepreneurship, and Hawaiian studies along with hybrid degree in veterinary technology • Online certificates in mental health technician, family development, and web support • Certificates in business, art, Hawaiian studies, psychosocial development, agripharmatech, plant biotechnology and bio-resource management, sustainable agriculture, veterinary assisting and marine options • Transferable credits to UH or any four year university • Noncredit technical training • An impressive performing arts theatre, fine arts gallery and Imaginarium What do students say about Windward Community College? “As a marine wife, we move a lot. When I arrived in Hawaii, I needed to find a job. But I had limited work experience and no college degree. My best friend asked me why I wasn’t in school. I was afraid. But after talking to some educational advisors, I immediately registered for classes. The counselors and professors were fantastic, and have supported me every step of the way.”
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