Arkansas National Guard Tuition Assistance Program (NGTA) SPC Alexandra Collins Education Specialist

NGTA Policy In an effort to improve necessary strength and readiness levels in the Arkansas National Guard, the NGTA is authorized under state law, as a benefit for qualifying Guardsmen and is based on eligibility criteria detailed in Act 471 of the 91st General Assembly, Arkansas National Guard Regulation 621-203, and by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

Agenda Eligibility Criteria Application process Submission deadlines Authorized uses Duplicate funding sources Mobilizations and discharges Terminations and recoupments Exception to Policy

Eligibility Criteria Currently serving in Arkansas Army or Air National Guard and meet all eligibility criteria at time of application (Letters of Good Standing will not be issued for Guardsmen wishing to use NGTA). Arkansas Resident. Completed Initial Active Duty Training (basic training or credit through ROTC). Does not currently hold a bachelor or higher degree. Enrolled in undergraduate degree producing program at Arkansas public institution of higher education. Completed FAFSA, Arkansas YOUniversal Financial Aid Application, and applied for grants and scholarships with institution in which enrolled.

Eligibility Criteria (cont.) Considered in “Good Standing” with enrolled institution (as defined by that institution). Considered to be in “Good Standing” with the Arkansas Army or Air National Guard: Verified for Army Guardsmen through Education Services Office and Air Guardsmen through Wing Commander. Guardsmen under Suspension of Favorable Action (FLAG) for, but not limited to, AWOL, substance abuse violations, or any other serious misconduct at time of application are not eligible for NGTA.

Application Process Guardsman enrolls in institution of higher education. Guardsman submits NGTA application to Education Office. Eligibility verified by ESO; approval list uploaded to ADHE portal. ADHE verifies hours and dollars waived at end of each semester; reimburses institutions. Guardsman denied; notified by ESO. Guardsman notifies institution and submits FAFSA and YOUniversal applications. Institution verifies eligibility through ADHE.

Submission Deadlines Apply at ARGuard.org/Education: Application, Statement of Understanding, FAQs, and copy of NGTA Regulation. Must apply for EACH semester and intersession course. May be submitted up to 60 days prior to start of course, but NO LATER THAN 30 days prior: ETPs may be requested through ESO.

Authorized Uses Covered Not covered Programs leading to undergraduate degree. Maximum of 120 semester credit hours or until completion of bachelor’s degree. Covers TUITION ONLY. Courses completed in prior semester. Exclusively online programs. All other costs (fees, room and board, textbooks, etc.)

Duplicate Funding Sources Federal and State grants/scholarships- applied to tuition BEFORE NGTA. Grants/scholarships awarded by institution- applied to tuition BEFORE NGTA. Montgomery GI Bill (all Chapters) and the Kicker- may, but not required to, use NGTA with; NGTA will be applied BEFORE any GI Bill benefits/funds. Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)- may, but not required to, use with NGTA. NGTA REPLACES GTIP- few grandfathered Guardsmen have already been notified; no new applications will be accepted.

Mobilizations/Discharges Responsibility of Guardsman to notify institution immediately if mobilization occurs during the semester they are enrolled in. Mobilization or deployment: Remain eligible for period of time equal to semester in which enrolled. Discharge (non-medical or medical not related to duties for Arkansas National Guard): Remain eligible for semester in which enrolled at date of discharge. Medical Discharge: May remain eligible from date of discharge and either until completion of degree program in which enrolled, or for 5 years, whichever comes first.

Terminations/Recoupment Guardsman dismissed from institution for academic or disciplinary reasons, or drops course after the drop/add date - may be ineligible for NGTA and responsible for paying institution directly. Guardsman must not drop more than 6 semester credit hours while receiving benefit (unless due to mobilization/medical discharge). Recoupment may be required for the following reasons: Fraud or misrepresentation of application. Failure on part of Guardsman to complete semester in which benefit is awarded. Failure to maintain eligibility status with National Guard for entire semester in which NGTA was awarded.

Exception to Policy Guardsman may request ETP if denied for NGTA, has benefits terminated, or ordered to repay benefits. Guardsman must submit to ESO, in writing, within 60 days from date of termination/ recoupment or denial. ESO will coordinate with the institution and ADHE to resolve all ETP requests. If Guardsman misses the 30-60 day window for applying, an ETP must be sent in with the application. No Exceptions will be made.

Questions? Arkansas Army National Guard Education Services Office Education Services Officer (501)212-4021 Education Assistant (501)212-4045 Education Specialist (501)212-4040