Tuition program now offering loans only

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Tuition program now offering loans only
By Natasha Lee, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

As a safeguard against the buckling U.S. economy, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society recently changed its overseas Spouse Tuition Assistance Program from grant-based assistance to interest-free loans.

Officials said the organization’s education funding — financed through interest accrued from its investment holdings — slid under the current economic downturn.

"We’ve taken a hit," said Melissa Thurber, Spouse Tuition Assistance Program chairwoman for Okinawa. "So instead of handing out money for grants, we’re being more responsible about the money we can give."

The change is in place at all overseas Navy-Marine Corps Relief Societies that offer the program, though application dates vary, officials said.

The relief society is a private, nonprofit organization that has been providing financial, educational and social assistance to servicemembers and their families for more than 100 years. Funding for its programs comes from donations, financial investments and the society’s Thrift Shop profits.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=59801