by Frank Imhoff, ELCA News Service
The 28 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) are taking part in a program of the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs to help military veterans pay tuition. Under the Yellow
Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program degree-granting institutions in
the United States can agree to cover "tuition expenses that exceed the
highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate," according to the
Veterans Affairs Web site. Schools can contribute up to 50 percent of
those expenses, and Veterans Affairs will match the school's
contribution. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after Aug.
1, 2009.
A news release from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D., said the
school "has agreed to admit 15 students under the Yellow Ribbon Program
and will contribute $9,000 per student/per year. Admitted students will
have access to all programs and courses."
A news release from Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, said the school will
pay up to 50 percent of tuition. "The GI Bill also provides veterans with
a housing allowance (based on location) and an annual allowance of up to
$1,000 for books and supplies. In addition, veterans also qualify for
fixed-rate federal loans to cover other expenses."
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
