Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Expands Program to Aid Veterans Pursuing Higher Education or Vocational Training
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has expanded the Oregon Veterans Educational Bridge Grant (VEBG) Program, doubling the maximum lifetime award to $10,000 and broadening eligibility for veterans facing financial hardship that could interrupt their education or training.
Effective July 1, 2026, Oregon resident veterans enrolled in eligible degree, apprenticeship, or training programs can apply for grant assistance to remain enrolled and complete their educational or vocational goals.
Program Information & Application
Oregon Veterans Educational Bridge Grant Webpage — https://www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/grants/Pages/Educational-Bridge-Grant.aspx · Eligibility requirements, application materials, and full program details
Program Coordinator: [email protected]
About the Grant Expansion
The VEBG was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2019 to provide financial assistance grants to eligible veterans during gap periods when required courses or training hours are unavailable, allowing them to remain enrolled in school or apprenticeship training. With the Legislature’s passage of House Bill 4132, the original $5,000 lifetime maximum has doubled to $10,000 beginning July 1, 2026, and eligibility now also covers veterans experiencing financial hardships that could endanger their continued enrollment in a degree, apprenticeship, or training program — expanding beyond the prior limits of unavailable coursework or outstanding student debt.
The grant is available to Oregon resident veterans enrolled in eligible education and training programs statewide, including federal GI Bill®-approved degree programs, licensed private career schools, registered apprenticeships, and qualifying public employer on-the-job training programs. Veterans who are not eligible for federal GI Bill® benefits may still qualify if they meet Oregon’s definition of a veteran under Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 407.087.
About the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Established in 1945 by the Oregon Legislative Assembly to support returning World War II veterans, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) has since grown to serve veterans of all eras and their families statewide.
ODVA’s mission is to serve and honor veterans through leadership, advocacy, and strong partnerships, uniting government agencies, nonprofits, and veteran service organizations around shared goals.
The agency provides statewide access to earned veteran benefits and administers state veteran programs and services benefiting nearly 300,000 Oregon veterans and their families.
ODVA’s programs span aging veteran services, home loans, educational and emergency aid, conservatorship services, and statewide veteran service coordination.
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