Army Green to Gold Scholarship Options
Enlisted Soldiers have three Green to Gold options from which to choose. All options can include a dormitory scholarship provided by JSU, and the following monthly allowance; $300 - freshmen, $350 - sophomores, $450 - juniors, $500 - seniors. Research the following options below, and then contact us at email rotc@jsu.edu or call us at (256) 782-5601 so we can help determine your eligibility and explain the the process for being accepted for one of these options. The entire process may take several months to complete so start early and persevere! The benefits are well worth your time!
Option #1: Green to Gold Active Duty Option. A 2 year program that allows Soldiers to enter as academic juniors or graduate students and requires that they graduate within 21 months. Soldiers selected to participate in this program continue to receive current pay and allowances while in the program. PCS costs are paid, however Soldiers are responsible for their own educational expenses; e.g., tuition, books, and fees. They may use any portion of the Montgomery GI Bill/Army College Fund benefits they have earned since entering into the military. The application window is open now and closes 1 April 2006. For details and eligibility, visit http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/enlisted_soldiers.jsp#active.
For further information regarding eligibility for Montgomery GI Bill/Army College Fund benefits, contact an education counselor at your installation Education Center or call 1-888-442-4551.
Option #2: Green to Gold Scholarship Option. Enlisted members who have completed 1 year of college will be considered for 3-year scholarships. Those who have completed 2 years of college will compete for 2-year scholarships. Soldiers who have not attended college or have 4 academic years remaining for a baccalaureate degree may compete for a 4-year scholarship. Enlisted Soldiers who have completed a baccalaureate degree and have 2 years remaining to obtain a masters degree may apply for a graduate degree scholarship. Scholarships cover tuition and provide $900 per year for books. PCS costs are not covered by this program. During the period of their scholarship, recipients may, if qualified, use any portion of the Montgomery GI Bill/Army College Fund benefits they earned while on active duty. The application window is open and closes 1 April 2006. Detailed eligibility, instructions, and application can be obtained at: http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/enlisted_soldiers.jsp#scholar.
Option #3: Two-Year Non-Scholarship Option. This program is open year round and available to Soldiers who have already completed two years of college, and who can complete their college degree requirements in two years. Soldiers selected are responsible for their educational expenses; e.g., tuition, books, and fees. They may use any portion of the Montgomery GI Bill/Army College Fund benefits they have earned since entering into the military. PCS costs are not covered by this program. Soldiers selected may also participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). As SMPs, Soldiers are members of either a drilling U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) unit or Alabama National Guard (AL ARNG) unit and contracted in ROTC. SMPs are entitled to tuition assistance from either the USAR or AL ARNG and drill pay as an E-5 under this program. SMP is the most popular program among our cadets. Detailed eligibility, instructions, and an application can be obtained at http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/enlisted_soldiers.jsp#non.
Eligibility differs slightly for each program so Soldiers should download the application package that interests them from the respective website. Each application package has a list of Green to Gold liaisons for each Army installation in CONUS and OCONUS. Our staff at JSU is always available to answer individual questions and facilitate the application process from here in Rowe Hall. If I can be of any help, feel free to email me at hhester@jsu.edu or call (256) 782-5601.