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MyCAA spouse jobs program resuming at Scott

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Although the My Career Advancement Account program was temporarily placed on hold last February, the Department of Defense will resume the program in October.

Spouses who already had their MyCAA accounts as of July 20, should have their career plans approved by Aug. 31. Spouses with current accounts can also request financial assistance between Sept. 1 and Oct. 21 for classes with a start date on or before Jan. 15, 2011. All currently approved financial assistance documents will be honored.

MyCAA was originally implemented in November 2007 as a joint demonstration project with the Department of Labor. The intent of the program was to equip spouses of junior service members for portable careers by providing financial support, similar to active duty tuition assistance. The program was expanded to all pay grades and all programs of study in March 2009. The unprecedented spike in enrollments overwhelmed the infrastructure and nearly reached the budget threshold, causing the pause in February.

After the review, many changes will be made. The revamped financial assistance program will be available to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E-1 through E-5, W-1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-2 pursuing an associate degree, certification or licensure. The maximum benefit will be set at $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000. The program requires applicants to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course.

"These changes are meant to return the program to its original purpose of helping spouses achieve portable careers," said Roland Smith, Scott AFB Education Manager. "Military spouses are as much a part of the Air Force family as their active duty partners, and because of this, DoD has modified MyCAA to ensure the program can survive and continue to assist military families with their educational goals. Having the opportunity to earn degrees with less out-of-pocket expense and gain employment at each assignment will reduce stress and financial hardships, contributing to stronger families and improved morale."

Another change will be seen through heightened involvement of Military OneSource career and education counselors. All military spouses of active duty service members will be eligible for career counseling and support.

For more information, call the Education Office at 256-3327 or visit www.militaryonesource.com/mycaa.