Commentary: Post-9/11 GI Bill Helps Support Higher Education Opportunities of Minorities in Armed Services

Commentary: Post-9/11 GI Bill Helps Support Higher Education Opportunities of Minorities in Armed Services: Service members and veterans pursuing higher education receive significant financial support through two key military programs: the Reserve Officer Training Corps, or ROTC, and the GI Bill. Both programs provide financial support in exchange for a service commitment, but they differ in the timing of service. For ROTC, the service commitment follows the attainment of a bachelor’s degree and commissioning as an officer in one of the service branches, whereas the GI Bill supports veterans who have completed their service. Although neither program focuses on minority students, both have significant minority participation.