Seminar for veterans offered in Leominster

By Marisa Donelan, mdonelan@sentinelandenterprise.com

LEOMINSTER — Mass. All veterans who served in the United States military following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, have an opportunity to take advantage of educational benefits under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, Veterans Services Officer Richard Voutour said Thursday.

The Leominster Office of Veterans Services is hosting a free seminar on Tuesday, June 30, to introduce area veterans to financial-aid programs that could help them seek higher-education degrees at state schools, Voutour said

Changes to the Department of Veterans Affair’s G.I. Bill in recent years have made it easier for veterans to seek degrees, which will help in attaining higher-paying careers, he said.

"The benefits are significantly better than they have been in the past," he said.

Some private colleges and universities have also worked out agreements with the VA under the Yellow Ribbon Program to offer subsidies of up to 50 percent of college costs, with matching from the VA.

The VA is currently accepting applications for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, Voutour said.

The program will feature representatives from the University of Massachusetts and Mount Wachusett Community College, Voutour said, adding Fitchburg State College has also been invited to present information.

The seminar is open to all veterans who have served since Sept. 11, 2001, even if they are from outside the city, he said.

 "We think it’s very important, so we didn’t want to just limit it to Leominster veterans," he said.

Qualifying veterans may be able to attend state schools with their tuition and fees completely waived, a $1,000 stipend for books as well as living expenses while enrolled, Voutour said.

The seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, at 6 p.m. in the Leominster Veterans Center, 100 West St.

For more information, people can call the office at 1-(978) 534-7538 or e-mail rvoutour@leominster-ma.gov