When you enlist straight out of high school, the Space Force offers exclusive programs to help you develop your 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
THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE
When you join the Space Force, you’re automatically enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force and will begin earning credits toward a degree as soon as you begin basic training. It’s America’s largest community college and the only degree-granting institution in the world dedicated entirely to Air Force and Space Force personnel.
Through a unique combination of on-duty and voluntary off-duty courses, you’ll work toward your associate degree in applied science in one of five career areas: allied health, aircraft and missile maintenance, electronics and telecommunications, logistics and resources, or public and support services. You’ll earn college credit while gaining invaluable experience to help your career take off.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
THE LEAD PROGRAM
The LEAD program gives you the opportunity to earn a college degree with appointments to the Air Force Academy and Academy Prep School.
Each year, unit and delta commanders nominate highly qualified, enlisted Guardians who exhibit officer potential to 170 appointments available for the Academy and the Academy Prep School. The prestigious Air Force Academy gives students a world-class education and cost-free tuition in exchange for their service. The Academy Prep School is a 10-month program designed to prepare candidates for the Academy.
THE AIRMAN SCHOLARSHIP AND COMMISSIONING PROGRAM (ASCP)
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.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICER COURSE-EARLY RELEASE PROGRAM (POC-ERP)
Active-duty Guardians can take advantage of the Professional Officer Course-Early Release Program (POC-ERP) to receive an early release from active duty Space Force to enter Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). This program is open to students in all majors who are within two years of completing all bachelor’s degree and commissioning requirements.
Those who are selected separate from the active-duty Space Force to join AFROTC and become a full-time student at a participating college to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation and completion of the two-year program, participants will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants and returned to active duty for at least four years. Those selected for POC-ERP will no longer collect military pay and benefits until graduation.
MILITARY TUITION ASSISTANCE (MILTA)
The Military Tuition Assistance (TA) program helps active-duty personnel pursue voluntary, off-duty educational opportunities. Currently, the program pays 100 percent (up to $250 per semester hour or equivalent) of the cost of college tuition with a limit of $4,500 per fiscal year. Courses and degree programs may be academic or technical and can be taken from two- or four-year institutions on base, off base or by correspondence.
THE POST-9/11 GI BILL
Eligible, active duty 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.
THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL (MGIB)
A veteran benefit program, the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) assists military members in paying for college. Eligible, enlisted Guardians may receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Space Force. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following release from active duty.