Keystone Today

Gov. Tom Wolf recently celebrated the first-of-its-kind PA GI Bill, which was signed into law on July 1, 2019, allowing members of the Pennsylvania National Guard to earn college benefits for their spouses and children.

According to a release from his office, the governor assembled with National Guard members on July 26 to highlight the program,  which is also known as the Military Family Education Program (MFEP). More than 3,300 dependents of Pennsylvania Army and Air Guard members now are enrolled to receive higher education at a low cost, or for free. It includes 10 semesters for education for family members, with benefits to be used at an institution approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Tuition is set by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

"The PA National Guard is one of the largest, hardest-working National Guards in the nation. Whether it is foreign or domestic – peacekeeping missions or a pandemic – these dedicated service members never fail when it comes to serving our commonwealth and this nation,” Wolf said. “The backbone of the Pennsylvania National Guard is their families. It was imperative that Pennsylvania reward these soldiers and airmen by securing the future of their spouses and children, adding to a better quality of life for everyone.”

This bill allows educational benefits for National Guard members to be transferred to their spouse or children if the member reenlists for at least six additional years. Spouses can use the benefits immediately or up to six years after a member completes their service. 

Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, cited quality of life as one of the bill's main attributes. 

“Our military families support their soldiers and airmen during many times of absence. Thanks to the PA GI Bill, they are now able to plan for a higher education without wondering if they will be able to afford the tuition,” Schindler said. “Through this one-of-a-kind program, we have improved retention, strengthened our readiness and improved the quality of life for our National Guard family members.”

Since the bill was signed into law on July 1, 2019, there have been 2,879 Pennsylvania Army and Air Guard members who have enrolled in the program, and they have registered 3,357 of their dependents.

“Since my wife and I are both enlisted in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, we have education benefits available to us. It was an easy decision to reenlist for another six years so that our 1-year-old son can use the Military Family Education Program in the future,” Staff Sgt. Kiara Rivera-Coia said. “This education benefit has helped give both of us peace of mind knowing our son will have options available to him when the time comes for him to attend college.”