The Veterans Educational Bridge Grant is administered by ODVA to help veterans achieve their educational goals. This grant is specifically designed to provide some support to veterans who find themselves unable to complete their academic or training programs on time, due to the unavailability of a required class or training hours or debt on a student account that prevents registration. As a result, veterans in these programs may be under financial strain and decide to go to work without completing their post-secondary goals.
The Veterans Educational Bridge Grant alleviates some of the financial stress that may be encountered when attempting to complete a program, by offering grants of up to $5,000 to veterans who meet the eligibility requirements (as outlined in OAR Chapter 274).
Information for Applicants
If you are a veteran, an Oregon resident, and unable to complete your academic/training program due to scheduling issues or student debt, please consider applying for the Veterans Educational Bridge Grant Program.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for the Veteran Educational Bridge Grant must be:
- A veteran per
ORS 408.225 and
- An Oregon resident per
OAR 575-030-0005 and
- Enrolled in an Oregon-based education or training program and
- Unable to complete a program due to the unavailability of one or more required courses or
- Has debt on a student account that does not exceed $5,000 and is preventing enrollment for future terms
How to Apply
- Check the Eligibility Requirements listed above to see if you qualify
- Download and complete your portion of the Veterans Educational Bridge Grant Application in the right sidebar of this webpage
- Use the "Completion Checklist" on the first page of the application to make sure you've included all required supporting documentation
- Submit your completed application and required documents using the upload link in the sidebar of this webpage
If you have questions, please refer to the FAQs below or contact ODVA at ebg@odva.oregon.gov.
Note: Applications must be uploaded using the secure link. Emailed applications will be returned for resubmittal through the secure upload link.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until I find out whether my application has been approved?
ODVA begins the review process as soon as a completed application is received. ODVA will strive to inform applicants of the eligibility decision within 2 weeks.
How long will it take to receive the funds once I have been approved?
Once approved, ODVA intends to distribute the funds within 2 weeks.
What is the turnaround time on a successful application?
The turnaround should be about 2 weeks for the application review and 2 weeks to receive the grant funds once an application has been approved, so in total the turnaround time should be about 4 weeks.
Who is eligible for this grant?
Please refer to the Eligibility Requirements.
Should I apply if I am not sure I meet all the requirements?
If you are uncertain if you qualify, please contact the Coordinator to discuss your eligibility.
How is "veteran" defined?
For the purpose of this grant, "veteran" is defined by ORS 408.225.
What type of program must I be in to qualify for this grant?
The Veterans Educational Bridge Grant is aimed at helping veterans complete approved academic or training programs. Approved programs include any program that is
- approved for Chapter 30, 32, or 33 G.I. Bill® benefits or
- is a licensed private career school (find the list here) or
- is an apprenticeship program registered with the State Apprenticeship and Training Council or
- is an on-the-job training program (OJT) offered by a public employer (ex: law enforcement or fire fighting)
Do I have to be an Oregon resident to be eligible?
Yes. At this time, the Veterans Educational Bridge Grant is only for Oregon residents as defined by OAR 575-030-0005.
Does my program have to be in Oregon?
Yes. At this time, the Veterans Educational Bridge Grant is meant for programs that are both located and headquartered in Oregon.
Can I apply for this grant more than once?
Yes; however no individual veteran may be awarded more than $5,000 over their lifetime.
Can I apply for less than the maximum amount of $5,000?
Yes; however no individual veteran may be awarded more than $5,000 over their lifetime.
How much money will I receive if I apply to this grant?
The amount of funds awarded will be based on the demonstrated need in your application and the amount requested.
How will my application be evaluated?
Applications will be reviewed for completeness. ODVA will verify that all required documents have been received and verify an applicant's eligibility as well as demonstrated financial need.
How are applications prioritized?
Once ODVA has received a completed application, either through the secure upload link or via fax, the application will be timestamped. Completed applications will be prioritized by the timestamp on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Am I guaranteed a grant if I meet all the eligibility requirements?
We have a limited amount of funding for this grant and we will distribute the funds until they are exhausted.
How will I receive my funds?
For grants approved due to course or training unavailability, ODVA will mail a check made out to the grantee to the mailing address provided on the approved Veteran Educational Bridge Grant application.
How can I use the funds?
Funds issued to recipients who are experiencing a delay in their academic or training progress due to course or training unavailability may use funds however they feel is necessary to help them complete their program.
Funds issued to pay off student debt will be paid directly to the school and can only be used to eliminate debt.
How will my information be protected?
ODVA will only keep your information for the minimum time required per records retention laws and destroy it after that period has passed.
Additionally, the methods provided for upload are secure and safeguarded.
How will the information on my application be used?
The information you provide on your application will be used to make grant determinations and send out approved grant awards. Your information will not be used for any other purpose and will be disposed of securely as soon as the records retention period elapses.
What if my application is submitted without being complete?
Incomplete applications will not be considered. However, ODVA will contact you and let you know what information is missing or why the application was not considered.
Can I resubmit a rejected application?
An ODVA representative will contact you regarding your application and let you know why it may have been rejected. You can incorporate the feedback and resubmit your application. However, the new timestamp will apply.
Is the application process difficult?
The Veterans Educational Bridge Grant application process was designed for ease of use and to help get veterans funds as quickly as possible. With this in mind, the application asks for basic information, a basic budget, and a few documents to establish eligibility.
What if I do not have computer access?
There are a number of resources that can help you if you have limited computer access. Your academic advisor, School Certifying Official (SCO), and Veteran Resource Center (VRC) are a few that should be able to help you get your materials submitted.
Can I use another method besides fax or the secure upload link to submit my application?
No. ODVA uses these systems to keep your data secure and to establish a timestamp of receiving applications.
Why do I need to complete an academic or training plan with my advisor or training coordinator if I am applying due to a pause in my program?
This requirement is to help minimize the chance of any other scheduling issues that may occur and to put you in touch with the appropriate professional to help you map out the remaining portion of your post-secondary journey.
Information for Advisors and Training Coordinators
As part of the application criteria, veterans may need to meet with their Academic Advisor or Training Coordinator who may need to complete a short questionnaire regarding the circumstances surrounding the applicant's need for a Bridge Grant.
Therefore, ODVA encourages all Academic Advisors and Training Coordinators to become familiar with the questionnaire and to mentally file this grant as another resource aimed at helping retain veterans and aid them in the completion of their programs.