More Than 1,100 Colleges and Universities Partner with VA to Improve GI Bill Benefits Out-of-State, Private and Graduate Educations Made More Affordable         WASHINGTON (July 13, 2009) – Over 1,100 colleges, universities and schools across the country have entered into “Yellow Ribbon” program agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve financial aid for Veterans participating in the Post-9/11 GI Bill.            Over 3,400 agreements were received from the 1,100 schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program.  “This is a strong response to a new benefit,” Keith Wilson, Director of VA’s Education Service, said.  “We are pleased so many institutions are supporting our Veterans.”            “The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an important part of fulfilling our promise to the men and women who have served our country so honorably,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said.  “Implementing this landmark legislation and providing even more veterans with a quality education is a top priority for VA.  We are grateful so many schools are joining us as partners in this unprecedented effort.”            The Yellow Ribbon program, a provision of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, funds tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate.  Institutions can contribute up to 50 percent of those expenses, and VA will match this additional funding for eligible students.            The Yellow Ribbon program is reserved for Veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100 percent benefit level.  This includes those who served at least 36 months on active duty or served at least 30 continuous days and were discharged due to a service-related injury.          The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944.            The maximum benefit allows every eligible Veteran, servicemember, reservist and National Guard member an opportunity to receive an in-state, undergraduate education at a public institution at no cost.             Provisions of the program include payments for tuition and fees, housing, and a books and supplies stipend.  Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009.  The tuition and fee benefit is paid directly to the school.              Additional information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, as well as VA’s other educational benefits, can be obtained by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (or 1-888-442-4551).   [ Compensation News ]