The Department of Veterans Affairs announced the end of the VET TEC pilot program, a five-year experiment formally known as the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC).
When it was operational, the VET TEC program offered $45 million in annual benefits to qualifying military members through partnerships with civilian companies nationwide.
What Was VET TEC?
VET TEC was a pilot program offering VA education benefits to those just about to leave military service or who have already done so. Those approved for this pilot program were required to meet the following standards:
- The service member was within 180 days of separating from active duty, and
- Qualified for the GI Bill, and
- Had at least one day of unexpired GI Bill benefits, and
- Was accepted into an approved program
VET TEC was designed as an experimental alternative to the GI Bill for those in search of job training in high-tech fields.
When Did VET TEC End?
At press time, the VET TEC application process is officially closed permanently.
The pilot program officially closed to new applicants on March 25, 2024, with an end to the program announced on April 1, 2024.
Related: Veteran Education Benefits Guide
VET TEC: What Happens Now?
No new VET TEC applications may be funded past the March 25 deadline. VA.gov says, “Students currently enrolled in VET TEC programs will continue training uninterrupted.”
- Those who qualify for VET TEC monthly housing allowance and tuition and fees payments and are currently enrolled may be paid until the end of fiscal year 2024.
- Those who were approved for the program but have not started “will be notified that funding for the pilot program has ended and will be reminded that this is the last year of the VET TEC pilot program. VA is unable to fund any new VET TEC students.”
- VA.gov notes that new applications may be reviewed, and if found eligible, “will be notified that while they met the necessary criteria, no funding remains for the pilot program.”
If you have questions about VA education benefits or VET TEC’s end, call the Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551.
The Future of VET TEC?
The end of the pilot program does not necessarily mean the death of VET TEC. The VA official site mentions that the agency seeks to create a permanent version of VET TEC. However, at press time, there is no public information regarding this possibility available on the VA official site.
VET TEC Accomplishments
According to VA.gov, over the five years this pilot program was authorized to operate, more than 14,000 applicants were approved and completed training under VET TEC, and VA.gov notes the typical starting salary for VET TEC participants was approximately $65,000.
Related: Veteran Education Benefits Guide