A bill introduced in Congress this week would give student veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill an extra nine months of benefits if they pursue a degree in a STEM field – science, technology, engineering and math.

Reps. David B. McKinley (R-WV) and Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced the bipartisan GI Bill STEM Extension Act of 2014 on Wednesday. It was assigned to a House committee, which will consider it before possibly sending it on to the House or Senate as a whole.

“This common sense plan will give those who have sacrificed for our freedom the tools to be successful in the 21st Century economy,” McKinley said in a statement. “This will not only benefit veterans, but will make America’s economy more competitive as well.”
The bill was inspired by meetings McKinley had with student veterans in West Virginia, who said it can be difficult completing certain degrees in the 36 months allotted by the GI Bill. It’s a solution supported by the Student Veterans of America (SVA).

“Given the appropriate resources, veterans possess the talent and experience to make a huge, positive impact in America’s communities and economy,” said D. Wayne Robinson, SVA president. “We must do everything we can to help veterans capitalize on their experience and pursue careers in advanced fields like STEM.”

Want to learn more about what STEM jobs really are? – READ MORE HERE

Click here if you want to learn more about the post-9/11 GI Bill benefits that would apply to you?

If you have questions about the Montgomery GI Bill, we got you covered.