The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency shared information on the PA National Guard Military College Assistance Program which helps to recruit, train, educate, and retain cadets from the Valley Forge Military College into commissioned officers in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
This prestigious program, available only at VFMC, allows 10 selected participants to pursue their education while serving Pennsylvania and the nation.
Through this accelerated Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, students earn an associate degree and the rank of Second Lieutenant in the PA National Guard.
The program is state-funded and administered by PHEAA on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“At PHEAA, we are honored to be able to administer this program for Pennsylvania, and assist in aiding our PA Army National Guard cadets,” said Senator Wayne Fontana, Chairman of the PHEAA Board of Directors. “This is an excellent opportunity for these cadets to serve their nation and achieve higher education. I wish them well as they begin their training and prepare to serve this nation.”
MCAP Scholarships are awarded based on a student’s merit and grades. The scholarship includes:
- Two years’ full tuition
- Stipend of $420 per month, freshman year
- Stipend of $420 per month, sophomore year
- A grant from VFMC to cover 100% of room and board while attending
- Commission as an officer in the PA Army National Guard 2 years ahead of traditional ROTC students
MCAP Scholarship cadets can transfer to any Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) school with 100% of their tuition covered. The scholarship covers up to the equivalent of PASSHE tuition rates at non-PASSHE schools in Pennsylvania; additional costs are the responsibility of the student.
“There are many paths to higher education,” said James Steeley, PHEAA President & CEO. “At PHEAA, we are dedicated to helping students find the path that is affordable while also meeting their specific needs. One of those paths allows students to serve their nation through the U.S. Armed Forces. We’re proud to administer this worthy program for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as these cadets train to protect and serve the state.”
The application for the 2027-28 academic year will open on July 1, 2026. All applicants will need to submit proof of citizenship, one to three letters of recommendation, an essay, and their SAT or ACT test score.
