For the 2010-2011 academic year, in support of the Yellow Ribbon Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has entered into more than 3,200 agreements with over 1,100 schools in order to open the door for recipients of the Post-9/11 GI Bill to attend higher-cost schools.

Schools were able to go into multiple agreements with VA to accommodate for their different programs of study.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress in 2008, provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.

The Yellow Ribbon Program, a component of the Bill, allows VA and participating educational institutions to collaborate their efforts in promoting students to attend higher-cost schools across the United States.

Normally, the VA-administered bill reimburses students for tuitions that remain below the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate for a public institution.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, when schools contribute to the difference between the in-state maximum and their usual cost, VA will match them dollar- for-dollar up to 50 percent of the difference.

VA mailed letters to school officials and sent reminder e-mails to promote maximum participation.

After launching a special outreach effort in January, VA extended the original May 21 application deadline to July 23, due to the overwhelming surge of interest in the program.

“We are pleased that so many institutions are joining us to support the educational goals of the men and women who served this nation so honorably,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki in a press release.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is reserved for Veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill who served at least 36 months on active duty or served at least 30 continuous days before being discharged due to a service-related injury.

The maximum benefit of the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows every eligible Veteran, service member, reservist and National Guard member the opportunity to receive direct payment of tuition and fee costs to the schools, a housing allowance and a books-and-supplies stipend at an in-state, undergraduate public institution.

For a list of schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program in each state, visit www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/YRP/YRP_List_2010.htm