Why you should take advantage of the MYCAA program today

If you are a military spouse (whether a military wife or husband) and you are pondering on whether should you be enrolling in a new training program for a new career but is hesitant because of a lot of factors such as the requirement of having to relocate or move a lot when your partner is reassigned to another place where career opportunities might be different, well, let us show you a couple of factors why you should start your studies today with MYCAA program. 

·         MYCAA provides financial assistance – eligible spouses are provided up to $4,000 worth of educational financing assistance. The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Program (MYCAA) is sponsored by the Department of Defense to help spouses pursue and achieve training, licenses and certifications necessary for their careers. Spouses of the following are eligible for the program:

§  an active duty Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine service member

§  an activated Reserve member of E1-E5, W1-W2, or O1-O2 pay grades

§  National Guard and/or AGR member who’s on federal Title 10 active duty orders

o   The program can provide you a chance to have a portable career in competitive and high demand industries and you wouldn’t have to pay for it.

·         Stay competitive in your area of interest – MYCAA has partnered with a number of schools/college including www.meditec.com (the license, certificate or diploma can only be obtained via accredited providers) and can assist you to be competitive in a lot of fields that could be in your area of interest. With this program, you can have a career in the medical, legal, business, technology and other industries to help you fulfill your professional desires and even earn extra that can help your family. Keep in mind what MYCAA pays for which are tuition fees for training and examination that can lead to a certification, license or an Associate's degree with a specified major or concentration.

o   Portable careers are really helpful for military families who move around a lot. They wouldn’t have to worry about having to find new jobs (or if their profession is available in the next location) as some portable careers only needs a computer and an internet connection for them to do their jobs (such as medical transcription). 

·         MYCAA provides counseling – assists in career guide, education and training options, job readiness, network and connections. Counselors can help spouses with their options, resumes and provides the best resources in getting the job. If you are unsure in any aspect of your professional career (from deciding which career to take or making your resume), counselors are ready to reach out and help answer all your questions. Getting professional help for your career questions or problems can help you in decision making – not just making the choice but making the right choice. 

You should visit https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa for your eligibility (a real time DEERS - Defense Enrollment and Eligibility Reporting System - will be used to verify) and other information you want to know about the program. You can also check out Meditec, one of the many MYCAA schools offering career training programs for military spouses – you can also take advantage of their free career guide to help you with deciding on which path you should take for your professional venture.