National Guard: Get Paid to Go to College!
Wading through stipends, scholarships, and cost can be daunting. In addition to the Minuteman Scholarship, the Alabama Army National Guard has tuition assistance, debt repayment, and technical certifications for those who qualify.
The high price of tuition is not standing in the way of Gabriel Guevara’s education! Cadet Guevara is the recipient of the Dedicated Army National Guard (DEDNG) Scholarship, also known as the Minuteman Scholarship. She attends Samford University, is a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corp (ROTC), and trains with the Alabama Army National Guard.
Untapped Possibilities
“After being accepted to Samford University, I really began to stress about how I was going to pay for college,” said Gabriel Guevara. After speaking with recruiter Staff Sgt. James W. Burroughs, a recruiter with the Northern Area Command, 22nd Recruiting and Retention Battalion, she learned her GPA and ACT score met the requirements to apply for the Minuteman Scholarship.
“Applying for the Minuteman Scholarship was the smartest move I’ve ever made. To graduate college debt-free and become an officer in the United States Army National Guard is not something many people get the chance to do,” said Guevara. While working on her degree in secondary education and English, she receives full tuition, plus up to $1,200 for books and a monthly allowance of $350 during sophomore year, $450 during junior year and $500 during her senior year. Additionally, she receives the drill pay of a sergeant (E5), approximately $311 per month. Her drill schedule is one weekend a month and two weeks a year.
Am I Qualified?
“There are many details to determine what you qualify for, that’s why you need to meet with a National Guard recruiter. Benefits can change, so don’t listen to others or go by what you read,” said Guevara.
Future Benefits
The average undergraduate cost of attendance at Alabama universities in 2019 is estimated to be $19,720 per year. Alabama ranks number eight for the highest student debt, averaging $31,899. Wading through stipends, scholarships, and cost can be daunting. In addition to the Minuteman Scholarship, the Alabama Army National Guard has tuition assistance, debt repayment, and technical certifications for those who qualify. The Guard is a part-time obligation with full-time benefits. Although education may be your primary objective today, a career with the Guard includes benefits that carry far into the future.
To learn more about the benefits of the Alabama Army National Guard and the 250 careers to select from visit NationalGuard.com/AL.
