MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS NEWS RELEASE
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE (12 August 1998)		FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: MR. GARY COOPER 101 EGGERT CROSSING ROAD LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ 08648 609-530-6942

Since 1952, over 450,000 New Jersey veterans have received educational training benefits by attending State Approving Agency approved programs offered by the state's colleges; universities; vocational and technical schools; businesses and industries; and flight schools. With the beginning of the fall semester just a few weeks away and more technical jobs coming to New Jersey, eligible veterans are encouraged to contact Approving Agency counselors for information on and assistance with their educational benefits. For most veterans, educational entitlements must be used within 10 years from their date of release from active duty. Monthly payments for full-time students range from $427 for school programs and $327 for job training programs. A 20 percent increase will take effect Oct. 1, 1998.

The State Approving Agency, which is a federally funded program in the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, currently maintains and supervises 471 educational and training institutions and 200 labor training sites for eligible veterans, active military and family members to participate in the federal G.I. Bill program. Their job is to ensure the quality of those programs state-wide. For assistance, eligibility information or the new booklet "A Veterans Guide to the Future," call 609-530-6852 or FAX 609-530-6970.