Ohio GI Promise
Ohio's State-Level Initiative
Gov. Ted Strickland greets members of the military after signing the executive order for the Ohio GI Promise.
In an effort to enhance the benefits for veterans established in the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill, effective on August 1, 2009, the University System of Ohio is taking a proactive step to better serve those who serve our country. The following are components of our state-level initiative, the Ohio GI Promise.
Download Ohio GI Bill Overview
Benefits effective IMMEDIATELY for veterans eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill
Veterans who are currently eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill benefits can take advantage of the Ohio GI Promise immediately.
In-State tuition for all eligible veterans from across the country
By participating in a community service or internship program and upon moving to Ohio, GI Bill eligible veterans and their families will be treated as in-state residents for tuition and state educational subsidies purposes. To be eligible under division (E)(9) of Administrative Rule 3333-1-10, a veteran must be certified as eligible to receive GI Bill benefits, enroll in a state-supported institution, and have completed or pledge to complete a minimum of 10 hours in a community service position in any of the following approved programs:
- A university or college sanctioned partnership program
- A university or college sanctioned community service engagement program;
- A national community service program;
- A veterans' administration or services campus-based outreach program;
- A service learning course at an institution; or
- Any community service program approved by the university in which the veteran is enrolled if the university has established a process for approving such programs.
Ohio GI Promise Council
The Council will be charged with promoting educational opportunities in Ohio for veterans and with ensuring that Ohio's colleges and universities have the best educational opportunities and student support services available for veterans. An arm of the Council will also help raise funds to market opportunities in Ohio throughout the country.
University System of Ohio conference on veterans' services
The conference will be sponsored by the Ohio Department of Veterans' Services and the Board of Regents, and will bring together every Ohio higher education institution's office of veterans' services to examine best practices and what should be implemented at every institution. There will be representatives at this conference from the U.S. Military, the National Guard, the American Council on Education, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other local and regional veterans' services organizations. Working with the Ohio GI Promise Council, the goal of the conference will be to prepare and coordinate services on campuses to be fully prepared for the Post 9.11 GI Bill becoming effective on August 1, 2009.
Expanded use of Ohio National Guard Scholarships
We will propose and support legislation to allow Ohio National Guard Scholarships to be used for graduate study; housing; books and supplies; and transportation. Currently the scholarships may only be used for tuition and fees.
Making Ohio colleges and universities "Servicemember Opportunity Colleges"
We will work with the American Council on Education (ACE) to certify all Ohio colleges and universities as Servicemember Opportunity Colleges. This will allow all college credit received during military service approved by ACE to transfer to every University System of Ohio institution.
Veterans hotline and Web site
These resources will serve as gateways to educational opportunities for veterans, and will help interested veterans connect with specific colleges and programs.
