Oregon Expands Education Bridge Grants for Veterans
The maximum lifetime award has doubled to $10,000, while new eligibility rules cover veterans facing financial hardships that could interrupt school or training.
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon veterans pursuing college degrees, apprenticeships or vocational training may now qualify for more financial assistance through an expanded state grant program.
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has increased the lifetime maximum award available through the Oregon Veterans Educational Bridge Grant Program from $5,000 to $10,000. The change took effect July 1 following the Oregon Legislature’s passage of House Bill 4132 earlier this year.
The legislation also broadened eligibility to include veterans experiencing financial hardships that could jeopardize their ability to remain enrolled in an education, apprenticeship or training program.
The program was established by the Legislature in 2019 to help veterans remain enrolled when required courses or training hours are temporarily unavailable. Grants were previously limited to veterans facing those scheduling gaps or those unable to continue because of outstanding student debt.
Under the expanded program, eligible veterans may also seek assistance for other financial challenges that threaten their ability to complete a degree, apprenticeship or vocational program.
“We know education and career training are crucial to helping transitioning veterans build stable, purposeful lives, but even a temporary financial setback can put those goals on hold,” ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels said.
Daniels said the expanded benefits are intended to help veterans overcome unexpected financial hardship, resolve student account balances or bridge gaps in required training.
Who May Qualify
The Veterans Educational Bridge Grant is available to Oregon resident veterans enrolled in eligible education and training programs across the state.
Eligible programs include:
Degree programs approved for federal GI Bill benefits
Licensed private career schools
Registered apprenticeships
Qualifying public-employer on-the-job training programs
Veterans do not need to qualify for federal GI Bill benefits to receive a grant, but they must meet Oregon’s statutory definition of a veteran under Oregon Revised Statutes 407.087.
Veterans who believe they may qualify can apply through the ODVA Veterans Educational Bridge Grant webpage or contact the program coordinator at ebg@odva.oregon.gov.
Cover image: Oregon has expanded its Veterans Educational Bridge Grant Program, increasing the lifetime maximum award to $10,000 and broadening eligibility for veterans facing financial hardships while pursuing college, apprenticeships or vocational training. AI-assisted image created by Jefferson Daily News / ChatGPT.
