Department of War rebrands military spouse scholarship as SpouseWorks

The Department of War has renamed MyCAA as SpouseWorks, a scholarship program that offers up to $4,000 for eligible active-duty military spouses. The program is meant to help spouses pay for training, certifications and degrees tied to approved career fields, with funding and application status unchanged during the transition.

Why it matters: - The SpouseWorks Scholarship lowers the cost of training for military spouses who need portable careers that can survive a move. - The program is designed to help spouses qualify for jobs in high-growth and high-demand fields. - The scholarship can help families protect income when military assignments change.

What happened: - The Department of War renamed the MyCAA program as the SpouseWorks Scholarship. - The program offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance for eligible military spouses. - The scholarship covers approved licenses, certifications, associate degrees and continuing education courses tied to an eligible career field. - The announcement said funding and application status remain unchanged during the name transition.

The details: - The program can help pay for IT training certifications and other approved training costs. - Eligible spouses can use the program for training that supports employment in an approved career field. - The program provides access to approved career fields, including high-growth and high-demand occupations. - Spouses can search participating schools and eligible programs, including CED Solutions. - Military OneSource career coaches can provide career guidance. - The scholarship is intended to help spouses build skills and improve employment prospects. - SpouseWorks also aims to support spouses who are starting a new career, strengthening existing skills or preparing for work after a move.

Between the lines: - The rebrand keeps the core benefit intact while giving the program a new identity. - The focus on portable careers reflects the employment challenges that come with frequent relocations. - A veteran-owned training provider is using the announcement to push spouses toward the program and related education options. - Richard Rodgers, president and CEO of CED Solutions, said, "All Active Duty Spouses should take advantage of this Scholarship," and added that creating a portable career is essential to dual income when PCS happens.

What's next: - Military spouses can check eligibility, review approved career fields and search participating schools before applying. - The program directs applicants to use their MyAuth account for eligibility checks. - The source points applicants to the FAQs for more detailed eligibility information. - The program can be started by calling CED Solutions at (800) 611-1840. - More information is available through the MyCAA program site.

The bottom line: - SpouseWorks keeps the former MyCAA benefit in place under a new name, with up to $4,000 available for military spouses pursuing career training.