ORS 408.115: Veteran Educational Bridge Grant Program; eligibility requirements; rules.

(1) The Veteran Educational Bridge Grant Program is established within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Under the program, the department shall conduct outreach and provide grants to veterans who: (a) Are pursuing and enrolled in a course of study that is in or part of: (A) Any program for which United States Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits may be used; (B) A career school licensed under ORS 345.010 to 345.340; (C) An apprenticeship program that is registered with the State Apprenticeship and Training Council; or (D) An on-the-job training program offered by a public employer; (b)(A) Are eligible to receive federal, state or other financial assistance based on prior service in the Armed Forces of the United States; or (B) Demonstrate a need for student financial aid from any federal or state assistance program, including Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965; (c)(A) Are unable to complete a degree, apprenticeship or training program within the expected completion period because one or more required courses or apprenticeship or training hours are not available until a later date; or (B) Have debt on a student account due to an overpayment of federal or state tuition benefits or prior course withdrawal that prevents enrollment in a future term; and (d) Are making satisfactory academic progress or progress in a program described in paragraph (a) of this subsection. (2) Grants under the program: (a) May not exceed $5,000 per veteran; and (b) May be made only when there are sufficient moneys in the Veteran Educational Bridge Grant Program Fund established under ORS 408.125 to make the grants. (3) The Department of Veterans’ Affairs shall adopt rules for the implementation and operation of the program, including eligibility requirements for grant applicants. (4) As used in this section, “veteran” has the meaning given that term in ORS 408.225 and includes disabled veterans, as defined in ORS 408.225. [2019 c.527 §1; 2023 c.303 §1]