Read more: Local, Education, G.I. BILL, VETERANS, MARY AVILA, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT BROWNSVILLE, RIO GRANDE VALLEY
BROWNSVILLE -- Claudia Vanessa Gill is a sophomore studying Sociology at the University of Texas at Brownsville.
Gill calls heading back to school after serving three challenging years in the armed forces, a tough transition.
One that has made her realize she has to do things on her own, but thankfully she says she found a program to help her along.
“When I got here I was lost I knew I had benefits but I didn't know how to get them so they pretty much grabbed me by the hand” said Gill.
The Veterans Upward Bound program is helping vets get their education.
The newest grant the program is promoting is the Post 9/11 GI bill where students who served in the military for at least 90 days after September 11th are eligible.
Vets like Gill are provided with 36-48 months of financial benefits and given a housing allowance.
Something Gill is thankful for noting “I’m a mother of 2 so any money that comes from school is greatly appreciated."
David Rivera, Veteran Upward Bound program director, said it’s a hefty award that vets should take advantage of.
“Here in this zip code its $1211 plus it gives you a $1000 book stipend,” explains Rivera.
So far about 95 veterans that have registered for the Post 9/11 from roughly 400 registered vets here in the valley.
Rivera warns that although some vets may not qualify for the GI bill chances are they can still get assistance.
Either way Gill urges other service men and women to get in line “Its free here, it’s hardly earned when we serve. So we should use it and take advantage of it.”
Click here for a link to the program
