Regardless of whether you choose to enlist, pursue a commission or become a civilian for the Space Force, the Space Force offers exclusive programs to help you develop skills and advance your career.
The Space Force offers full-time paid internships for students currently attending college or who have recently graduated, with hands-on training and available tuition assistance.
GETTING STARTED
CONTINUING EDUCATION
GUARDIAN SCHOLARSHIP AND COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS
GETTING STARTED
THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE
When you join the Space Force through the enlisted route, you are automatically enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). Beginning in basic training, you will earn credits toward a degree program with CCAF. The largest community college in the United States, it is the only degree-granting institution in the world dedicated entirely to the Air Force and Space Force–enlisted ranks.
Through a unique combination of on-duty training and voluntary off-duty courses, you’ll have the opportunity to work toward an associate degree in applied science in career areas such as: Intelligence Studies and Technology, Cybersecurity, and Air and Space Operations Technology. With the college credit you earn through the CCAF, you will be able to apply it even further toward your higher education goals, like a bachelor’s degree.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
VOLUNTARY EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Voluntary Education Program supports Guardians by maintaining a highly educated force. The program supports off-duty voluntary education goals such as the pursuit of associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees through tuition assistance. Furthermore, the program supports credentialing through the Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-line (AF COOL) program.
MILITARY TUITION ASSISTANCE
Enlisted Guardians may apply for the Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP). This program allows Guardians to earn a commission while completing their bachelor’s degree in a variety of technical fields.
Those selected temporarily separate from active duty Space Force to join ROTC and become a full-time student at a participating college. Participants receive tuition and fees scholarships for up to $15,000 per year and a textbook allowance of $600 per year.
The Military Tuition Assistance (MilTA) program helps enlisted and officers on active duty pursue voluntary, off-duty educational opportunities. The program pays tuition costs of up to $250 per semester hour or $166 per quarter hour for college tuition, with a fiscal year cap of $4,500.
AIR FORCE CREDENTIALING OPPORTUNITIES ON-LINE PROGRAM
The Air Force Voluntary Credentialing Opportunities On-line (AFCOOL) program provides Guardians with the opportunity to obtain and maintain professional certifications (within their career field, leadership and special interest) to improve force readiness. It provides members with expanded professional skills and competencies while in the Space Force as well as prepares them for their post-military civilian careers. The AFCOOL Program benefit has a limited lifetime cap of $4,500.
GUARDIAN SCHOLARSHIP AND COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS
THE LEADERS ENCOURAGING AIRMEN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development (LEAD) program gives you the opportunity to earn a college degree with an appointment to the Air Force Academy Preparatory School and Air Force Academy.
Each year, unit and delta commanders nominate highly qualified, enlisted Guardians who exhibit officer potential for consideration of appointment into one of the 170 available seats for the Air Force Academy Preparatory School and Air Force Academy. The Academy Prep School is a 10-month program designed to prepare candidates for the Academy. The prestigious Air Force Academy gives students a world-class education free of cost in exchange for their continued service in the Space Force.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUTSTANDING AIRMEN AND GUARDIANS
The Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen and Guardians (SOAR) allocates scholarship quotas to Air Force Major Command and Space Force Field Command and direct-reporting units for outstanding Airmen and Guardians. If qualified and selected, Airmen and Guardians receive scholarships to a college or university offering AFROTC for a period ranging from two (2) to four (4) years. Commanders are encouraged to seek out their strongest performers with exceptional potential, motivating them to complete college degrees and be commissioned through AFROTC.
THE POST-9/11 GI BILL
Eligible Guardians can receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Space Force through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These benefits may be used for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, vocational and technical training, tutorial assistance, books, supplies and monthly housing. Generally, benefits are payable for 15 years following release from active duty and may be transferred to spouses or dependent children.
MONTGOMERY GI BILL
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is an option a Guardian can choose to participate in to assist with paying for college. Eligible Guardians may receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Space Force. The possibility to transfer the benefit to your spouse or dependent children does not exist with this option, and there is no monthly housing stipend. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training and correspondence courses. This benefit option is payable for 10 years following release from active duty.