Indiana University East will offer the Veterans Administration’s Yellow Ribbon Program this fall to Post- 9/11 veterans. Fall 2009 is the first semester the new Post-9/11 GI Bill goes into effect.  IU East will provide up to 10 qualifying students a direct grant up to $1,500 per academic year under the program and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs will match the amount.

Dennis Hicks, IU East registrar, was appointed by Indiana University President Michael McRobbie to serve on a university-wide Veterans Services Coordinating Committee. Hicks said it was an honor to provide military veterans with the resources necessary to obtain a baccalaureate or graduate degree.

“IU East has supported several military veterans in the past with financial assistance in the form of scholarships and state or federal aid,” Hicks said. “We are indebted to the service these men and women have provided to us and so in return, we will provide our assistance to them to complete their goals for higher education.”

Indiana University and all of its regional campuses are offering  the Yellow Ribbon program to assist military veterans in covering the costs of an in-state undergraduate education and also offers additional support for military veterans enrolled in graduate programs or from outside the state. To receive the award, students must be in good academic standing and remain continuously enrolled unless called for military duty. Students can be enrolled full- or part-time and receive funding. Awards are made on a first-come basis. Applications are requested by July 15, but will be accepted until all awards have been made.

Applicants must provide proof of application for the Post-9/11 GI Bill to be considered for the Yellow Ribbon award and must demonstrate proof of eligibility by providing their Certificate of Eligibility from the VA before any funds will be disbursed.

For additional information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program, please visit the GI Bill Web site at www.gibill.va.gov. For information about enrolling at Indiana University East for the fall 2009 semester, contact the Office of Admissions at 800-959-3278 or (765) 973-8208 or by e-mail at applynow@iue.edu.