Veteran's Education/State Approving Agency

• promote and safeguard quality education and training programs for veterans
• ensure greater educational and training opportunities to meet the challenging needs of veterans; and
• assist the VA in preventing fraud, waste and abuse in the administration of the GI Bill

The State Approving Agency (SAA) was established by act of Congress in 1947 to insure that Veteran's/eligible dependents can use the GI Bill educational entitlement in an approved educational program. The primary function of the Montana State Approving Agency is to review, evaluate and approve quality educational and training programs for Veteran's benefits.

Programs that can be approved include institutions of higher learning (colleges and universities), non-degree institutions (vocational and technical schools), apprenticeship programs, other on-the-job training programs and flight schools.

The Montana SAA reviews the appropriateness of each program relative to the states standards and laws in addition to the Department of Veteran's Affairs (DVA) rules and regulations and other applicable laws and regulations. The program is then either approved or disapproved. Continuous supervision is required of approved programs. There are over 50 programs currently approved in Montana for Veteran's educational benefits.

The Approval Process

Note: To meet the initial requirement for approval to train veterans and other eligible persons, the school must have been in continuous operation for at least two years.

The approval process is initiated when an institution’s owner or official contact person sends a letter requesting approval to train veterans and other eligible persons. The letter should include a brief description of the type of training being offered. After our office receives the written inquiry, an application packet will be sent requesting additional required information including school publications and other information.

After receiving the application package, complete and provide all of the information requested. Any questions regarding requested materials can be directed to our office. Once the application packet is completed and verified by our office as meeting the requirements of the law, we will contact the institution and set up an on-site visit. The visit will serve as an inspection of the facilities as well as a review of all the necessary licenses and forms. In addition, we will discuss record keeping requirements and provide training for the persons responsible for working with and certifying veterans.

After the inspection visit, and providing that all items are complete and acceptable, the application is forwarded to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their acceptance.

If you feel you are interested and will be able to spend the time and effort to obtain approval to train veterans, please contact our office for an application packet.

Staff:   Director of Veterans Education/SAA   Bruce Knutson IHL/NCD Program Manager (406) 444-0691 Tom Cummins OJT/APP Program Manager (406) 444-4122