eCornell and the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Program

At eCornell we understand and appreciate the sacrifices the spouses and dependents of our brave men and women in uniform make to support those who serve. Accordingly, we are proud to join the Department of Defense (DoD) in a new financial aid program designed just for military spouses. We are a participating school in the DoD’s recently established Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program, offering our online certificate programs to eligible participants.

The MyCAA program provides up to $6,000 of financial assistance for military spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses, certificates, or credentials leading to employment in Portable Career Fields. Portable careers are those that are likely to provide job opportunities in most locations where military service members are stationed, and many of eCornell’s 21 certificate programs meet the MyCAA portability requirements. To be eligible, you must be either the spouse of an active duty member (excluding the U.S. Coast Guard), or the spouse of a federally activated member of the National Guard or Reserve Components. The MyCAA program uses the Defense Eligibility and Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) to determine if a spouse is eligible.

An Ivy League Credential at Little or No Cost

At eCornell, we know that spouses serve, too. You and your family pack up and move at a moment’s notice whenever your sponsor
receives PCS orders. You take care of the household when your sponsor deploys or goes TDY. You are all too familiar with the routine of changing schools, finding affordable housing, and sacrificing your own careers to support your military spouse as you move around the world. In recognition of this dedication and hardship, eCornell has designed certificate programs to help you enhance your current career field or find a new one. In partnership with the DoD’s MyCAA program, we stand ready to make your career and education goals an affordable reality.

The Enrollment Counselors at eCornell are eager to assist the spouses of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who may be interested in one of our MyCAA eligible certificate programs. Since the list of Portable Career Fields is constantly undergoing updates, we recommend you contact us to determine which of our 21 certificate programs have been approved for MyCAA funding. Our counselors may be reached by phone at 1-866-eCornell or by email at info@ecornell.com.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you use your MyCAA benefits to secure an Ivy League credential at little or no cost to you. And again, thank you for your support to the men and women who keep us free.

What Costs MyCAA Does and Does Not Cover
The MyCAA program pays for education and training programs, tuition, and licensing/ credentialing fees. This includes the fees for certificate programs. Since eCornell programs do not require any additional books, supplies, or equipment, the MyCAA will cover the entire cost of an eligible certificate program up to the program limits.

How MyCAA Financial Assistance Works
Interested spouses must first establish a MyCAA account, and can do so by visiting the MyCAA website: https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa. Once a spouse provides profile information, MyCAA will verify DEERS eligibility. If verified as eligible, a military spouse will be allowed to create a Career and Training Plan and request financial assistance when they are within 90 days of course start dates. A Career and Training Plan includes the spouse’s Portable Career Field, name of school, and course information (course titles, codes, costs and start/end dates).

Getting Additional Information About MyCAA
There are some excellent sources of additional information about the MyCAA program. Military OneSource has a detailed, downloadable MyCAA FAQ Guide. Additionally, Military OneSource Career and Education Consultants can help spouses explore career interests, evaluate school options, and compare programs of study. Their toll free number is 800-342-9647.