[rehab] scholarships available from V.A. for rehab professionals

[Bob Kresmer]

Please see announcement pasted below for the Visual Impairment and
Orientation and Mobility Scholarship Professionals Program being offered
through Veterans Health Administration Healthcare Talent Management.  The
scholarships are targeted for Veterans and traditionally minority
college/university students.  However, anyone who meets the criteria of
having been accepted into a program of study in visual impairment
rehabilitation, or orientation and mobility, may apply and be considered. 

We are looking for applicants with  a strong academic record and enthusiasm
for blind and vision rehabilitation, who want to serve visually impaired
Veterans who have served their nation. 

Please note the application period is June 1 - July 15, 2015 for the
2015-2016 academic year.  

Details are included in the attachment, and at the Talent Management
websites listed in the attachment.

Please share this message broadly to any interested individuals or group.

Note:  For more information contact Martin Hyacinthe, (504) 565 - 4828
Martin.Hyacinthe at va.gov

 

Visual Impairment and Orientation & Mobility Professionals Scholarship
Program (VIOMPSP)

2015 VIOMPSP Application Period

VHA Healthcare Talent Management and Blind Rehabilitation Services are
honored to inform you that VA will accept applications for VIOMPSP during
the following dates

June 1, 2015 – July 15, 2015

As we strive to meet VHA’s needs for qualified blind rehabilitation
specialists, we are asking for your assistance in attracting the best
applicants to apply for this exciting scholarship and future VA employment
opportunity

Eligibility
•	Eligible applicants must be enrolled in, or accepted for enrollment
in, an academic program located in the United States that prepares graduates
to meet the VA qualification standards for employment
•	Applicants must be citizens of the United States and pass a
background investigation

Covered Expenses
•	Full-time students
 	Tuition and required fees/Maximum $15,000 per academic year/$45,000
total award
 	4 years to complete education
•	Part-time students
 	Tuition and required fees/Award maximums are based on ratio of
full-time attendance
 	6 years to complete education 

Service Obligation
•	Participants work as permanent, full-time VA employees in blind
rehabilitation practice upon completing their educational program and
licensure/certification
•	Participants agree to a 3-year service obligation 
•	Participants sign a Mobility Agreement to relocate at their own
expense if required to fulfill their service obligation
•	Participants who fail to meet the requirements of their service
obligation shall repay an amount equal to the unearned portion of the
scholarship award, plus any penalty fees, to be determined by VHA Healthcare
Talent Management

2015 Application Period
Students interested in applying must follow the instructions in the “How to
Apply” section of the Program Announcement on USA Jobs.  Applications will
be accepted through USA Jobs at https://www.usajobs.gov/ June 1, 2015 – July
15, 2015

Application Process
•	VA will publish the open period for accepting VIOMPSP Applications
on VA Careers at
https://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/education-support.asp
•	VA will post a Program Announcement and accept applications through
USA Jobs at http://www.USAjobs.gov

•	Applicants must submit a complete application package consisting of
 	Application (VA Form 10-0491g)
 	Academic Verification (VA Form 10-0491)
 	Evaluation and Recommendation (VA Form 10-0491e).  Include one each
from:
–	the academic program where currently enrolled or where the applicant
will be enrolled; 
–	a person who has known the applicant for a minimum of 2 years; and
–	if a current or previous VA employee, the applicant’s VA supervisor
or equivalent
 	Academic Transcript (An unofficial transcript is acceptable)
 	Résumé
 	Declaration for Federal Employment (OF 306)
•	All applications must be received by the deadline date in the
program announcement
•	See https://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/education-support.asp
for more information and to download any required forms

How can you help?
Please share this information with any audience who would express favorable
consideration for this VA effort.  We are confident that with your support
and engagement, we can attract the best applicants, award students with
excellent scholarships, and provide exciting opportunities in the visual
impairment and/or orientation and mobility fields that will assist our
Veteran population with receiving specialized treatment.  

Bob Kresmer, president NFBA 
Toll free (888) 899-6322 
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