Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21), together with Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), have introduced the Military Learning for Credit Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation that aims to help more veterans translate their military training and experience into college credits. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) lead the Senate companion legislation. Specifically, this bill expands the Veterans Education Benefits program, which offsets the cost of prior learning tests that affect placement in degree programs. This change will help cover a wider range of certifications to allow more veterans to prove their skillset and prevent duplicative coursework, saving the government money and veterans and military families time.
“My dad always said he got his education from the United States Navy. Our veterans go through intensive training during their service to our country, and they should be able to benefit from that experience if they apply to college,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “I am proud to introduce the Military Learning for Credit Act, commonsense, bipartisan legislation to fix an existing gap, expand opportunities, and deliver for our veterans.”
“Our veterans have received the best training in the world and demonstrated their ability serving our country. That experience shouldn’t disappear once their uniforms are put away,” said Senator Coons. “My bipartisan Military Learning for Credit Act will ensure that all veterans can get credit for the work they’ve already done, so they can move onto their next chapter more quickly and find sustainable, good-paying jobs. Our nation will never be able to repay what our veterans have sacrificed for us, but we can work each day to make their journeys easier and fairer, and that’s what this bill does.”
“Education is not limited to the four walls of a classroom, especially in the military,” said Senator Ernst. “Veterans leave the armed forces with a versatile set of credentials and should not be forced to go back to square one as they pursue a college degree. The Military Learning Act not only recognizes veterans’ expertise but harnesses it and puts them on a fast track to success after they serve our nation.”
“I am proud to introduce this legislation with Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander to ensure America’s service members can unlock more educational and professional opportunities,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Providing more opportunity for our brave service members who selflessly serve our nation to receive the benefits they have earned is one of the many ways we can show our appreciation to them. It is incredibly important that we honor the extraordinary commitment our service members have made to our country as well as incentivize recruitment of future troops.”
“When veterans want to use their educational benefits after service, their prior professional experiences and military training should be recognized as they move on to their next opportunity,” said Congressman Pappas, Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “This bipartisan legislation would allow veterans to use their VA educational benefits for nationally-recognized career tests that certify the skills and knowledge they acquired from their service, freeing up benefits for college credits and allowing them to make the most out of the benefits they’ve earned. I’ll continue working to increase opportunities for veterans and ensure their benefits work for them.”
“The Military Learning for Credit Act is a practical and common-sense way to allow veterans transitioning out of military service to make the most of the skills they acquired while in uniform,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “This bill will make it easier for veterans to convert their military training and experience into academic credit, which helps shorten the time and reduce the financial burden many veterans face when pursuing higher education. The message we’re sending to veterans is clear: you had our back, we have yours.”
“Too many student veterans are forced to pay out of pocket to translate prior learning such as military training and experience into college credit, creating a financial hurdle that delays graduation and slows their transition into the civilian workforce,” said Tammy Barlet, Vice President of Government Affairs for SVA. “The Military Learning for Credit Act would direct VA to use veterans’ educational assistance to cover those examination and assessment fees, cutting education costs, shortening time to degree and helping veterans bring proven skills to high‑demand jobs faster. SVA applauds Representative Goodlander and Representative Stefanik for their leadership in advancing this important legislation to ensure more student veterans are recognized and credited for their military experience in the classroom towards their employment.”
Under current law, veterans are able to use a portion of their benefits to cover the costs associated with prior learning assessments, or higher education placement tests. However, not all tests that demonstrate prior learning are covered, such as the National Career Readiness Certificate and portfolio assessments. The Military Learning for Credit Act will correct this inequity and could save the federal government money by shortening the time to earn a degree for student veterans who are able to pass and earn credits. Most importantly, granting college credit for prior military training can be an important lever for increasing veteran graduation rates.
This legislation is endorsed by Veterans Education Success, Student Veterans of America, Today’s Students Coalition, and Southern New Hampshire University.
The bill text is available here.
Congresswoman Goodlander has dedicated her life to serving our state and our country. Before taking the oath to represent New Hampshire in the People’s House, Congresswoman Goodlander served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve for over a decade.
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