School Support Services

No matter where you are stationed, School Support Services are available to help your children/youth build resilience and increase student achievement.  The program is designed to meet the needs of the community, and we are committed to supporting military-connected Families.

School Liaison Officers (SLOs) implement the School Liaison Program which supports Families and students experiencing all types of transitions. SLOs work diligently to maintain a flow of communication between parents, schools, and installations.  Please call or visit our offices for information related to:

• School Transition and Deployment Support 
• Installation and School Communication 
• Partnerships in Education 
• Homeschool Connections 
• Post-Secondary Education/Opportunities

Please select a link below to learn more about how your SLO can support you and your Family.
 

Parent FAQs

Q: What is a School Liaison Officer?

A: School Liaison Officer (SLO) is your best source of education support – and a completely free benefit to military Families. SLOs work in partnership with installations, local public school districts, private schools and home school Families to enhance the educational experience for students.

One way we do this is by helping schools understand military challenges, so they’re better able to serve military Families. We also give parents detailed information on local schools and educational policies, so they’re better prepared, too.

Perhaps most importantly, our SLOs help connect parents, schools, and installations – and facilitate healthy communication for students’ benefit.

Q: When should I contact my SLO?

A:

• Before you move to your next duty station, and upon arrival
• When you want information about the local schools in your area
• When you want a youth sponsor for your child
• When your child is transitioning from preschool to elementary school, elementary school to middle school, or middle school to high school
• When you need more information about local and state education policies
• When looking for education and/or transition resources
• When interested in home schooling
• When preparing your child for college and career beyond high school
• When you need assistance with school transition issues
• Before and during the deployment process

Q: How can my SLO help me determine which school is best for my child?

A: SLOs are well-versed in current education policies and issues, and have established relationships with the local schools. They can provide information on local schools, interpret school information and explore school options with you.

Q: How can SLOs assist with college and career readiness?

A: SLOs can provide college readiness workshops to youth and parents. Learn how to make the most out of school tours, prep for the ACT/SAT, apply for financial aid and scholarships and choose a college. SLOs are a great source for info on local college and career fairs, as well as scholarships especially for military-connected students.

Q: How can my SLO assist with home schooling?

A: SLOs maintain information on local and state policies about homeschooling. They can connect homeschool Families to local homeschool groups and co-ops, and local installation support resources available for homeschool Families.

Q: How can SLOs help during deployment?

A: SLOs inform schools about upcoming unit deployments and how best to support their students and Families throughout the deployment cycle. They can help parents communicate with schools about deployment-related absenteeism and other issues. SLOs also connect Families with local resources and agencies that provide deployment-related support.

Q: How can SLOs assist with transition issues?

A: SLOs have accurate information and powerful resources to assist with transition. They provide workshops on transition, and can discuss specific transition-related concerns with you one-on-one. Your SLO can also help you develop a transition plan and strategies for talking with school staff about concerns.

Q: How can SLOs assist with credit transfer and registration issues?

A: Your SLO understands the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, the agreement that eases transitions for military students, and how it pertains to moving military Families. They can help with school registration and transferring credits. If problems arise, your SLO can help you discuss your concerns with the school and advocate for your child.

Q: How can SLOs assist with school/parent conflict?

A: SLOs function as liaisons between schools and parents, rather than mediators. They provide accurate information to both schools and parents, and can gather resources to help resolve issues.

Youth Sponsorship

When you receive your PCS orders, consider requesting a youth sponsor for your children. The Youth Sponsorship program helps connect youth to their peers during major life transitions like PCS moves. It lets them talk with a child who has first-hand knowledge about the new school and community.

Upon arrival at a new installation, youth sponsors greet new students and orient them to the school and community. The youth center offers a variety of Youth Sponsorship activities, too, with opportunities to make new friends and settle in to their new community.

To request a youth sponsor, select your community and complete the automated e-mail. (create drop down that when community is selected an e-mail is auto populated to the SLO organizational e-mail box)

Interested in becoming a youth sponsor?

Students who’ve been in the community a while and want to get involved can help their peers – while earning service hours and developing leadership skills. To find out how, contact your local SLO or Youth Center. 

Parent Workshops

Not sure how to prepare for a transition? Have questions on internet safety? Want to prep your kids for college?

School Liaison Officers offer parent workshops that give you information and resources to help navigate parenthood, as well as the opportunity to network with other parents.

Workshop topics include:

• School Transition
• Social and Emotional Considerations of Military Transition for Youth
• Becoming College Ready: College Admissions
• Becoming College Ready: Financial Considerations
• Becoming College Ready: Roles and Responsibilities
• Becoming College Ready: Separation
• College Application Process
• Understanding the College Financial Aid Process
• Internet Safety
• Social Media Safety
• Kindergarten Readiness
• Parent/Teacher Conferences
• Workshop schedules vary by installation, so contact your SLO for the most up-to-date workshop schedule.

Army School Support Services provides a wide range services through the School Liaison Program to schools as well as military-connected Families and students. Every installation has a School Liaison Officer (SLO) who implements this program.  The SLO facilitates communication, provides professional development, and more.

The SLO is the Garrison Commander’s primary advisor on school-related matters, education initiatives and education-based legislation at the local, state and national level. As the Commander’s representative, the SLO builds partnerships with local schools and facilitates communication between the school, the command, and parents. SLOs are great sources of accurate information, and collaborators for solutions that benefit Army Families.

SLOs serve the local schools in other ways as well. They help school personnel understand the effects of military transitions, including deployment.  They can also provide professional development on military culture. This understanding helps educators better support military-connected students.

Your local SLO can assist with accessing applications to Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) grants and provide information and installation support with Impact Aid applications.  They also can assist in creating a Youth Sponsorship Program in your school at no cost to you.  Lastly, your SLO facilitates Adopt-A-School programs in schools.  This program connects service member volunteers to schools for regular and special activities, as requested by schools.

Educator, School Administrator, and Unit FAQs

Q: How do SLOs promote military  / community relations?

A:SLOs are garrison commanders’ primary advisors on all K-12 education-related issues and their representatives in the schools. SLOs help facilitate communication between schools and installation leadership, strengthen school/installation partnerships, and provide schools with access to military resources that support military youth.

Q: How do SLOs assist military Families?

A: SLOs connect Families to new communities, provide local school information, assist with credit transfer and school registration, and provide accurate information about the transition process.

SLOs also support military Families during deployment by providing resources and access to information and training. They help Families communicate with schools about the deployment process, in addition to deployment-related absenteeism and Family challenges.

The SLO is the primary point of contact on the installation for the youth sponsorship program, and can facilitate youth sponsorship assignment for incoming students, too.

Q" What military resources are available to schools?

A: SLOs inform local schools of upcoming Department of Defense Education grants, and facilitate Partnership in Education initiatives to increase parent participation, leadership activities, and overall installation and community involvement in the school. They can also oversee Adopt-A-School programs, which benefit schools, units and students.

Q: Can SLOs assist with local education issues?

A: While SLOs cannot change local, state or national policy, they help make sure stakeholders and decision makers hear the voice of military Families. They also help parents and schools find solutions to challenges associated with military transition.

Q: How can SLOs help with credit transfer and registration issues?

A: SLOs can train school staff on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to ensure the school is aware of state legislation to support the compact.

SLOs function as liaisons between parents and receiving and losing schools to ease the transition process and ensure credit transfer and registration happens on-time and according to local, state and national legislation. They help communicate school requirements to Families, and help make sure they have the right documents before meeting with the school.

Q: When should a school contact a SLO?

A: The school should have continuous contact with the SLO. Invite your SLO to start-of-school-year events, Parent-Teacher Advisory meetings, open houses, staff development days and other events. Please give your SLO the best opportunity to support youth, staff and parents.

Q: What training do SLOs provide?

A: The SLO can provide a variety of workshops on military culture, military transition and deployment for both school staff and parents. They also conduct training on resilience by leveraging the Army’s Ready and Resilient program, and train school personnel on how to establish a Youth Sponsorship program in the school.

Q: What is Youth Sponsorship?

A: The Youth Sponsorship program connects transitioning military children to their new communities and schools before, during and after a move. The program gives new students information, a sense of belonging and the opportunity to make friends.

The program operates at Army youth centers and in schools by assigning a youth sponsor, who provides information, answers questions, and orients the new student to the campus and school environment.

The program also benefits youth sponsors, who build valuable leadership and character skills, practice public speaking, and gain a sense of belonging in the community. The program is youth-run and adult-facilitated, and gives students a say in how their communities create a welcoming environment for all new members.

Q: What Partnership in Education initiatives can SLOs assist with?

A: Army Partnership in Education (PIE) initiatives encompass a range of activities to address the educational needs of military children and youth, and to strengthen relationships between schools, installations and communities.

The SLO is the primary conduit in building relationships that can be leveraged to support initiatives. Relationships should include installation and unit personnel, school personnel and the civilian community. Initiatives should focus on: academic enhancement, workforce preparation, life skills and well-being, citizenship and leadership, school transitions, Family and community involvement, and outreach services.

Q: What is the Adopt-A-School Program?

A: With Adopt-A-School, Soldiers get personally involved in schools to nurture the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth of all children. The program builds partnerships between Army units and local schools to improve education quality and enhance community relations. Schools request a unit to adopt them through their SLO, who helps match installation units to schools.

Q: Can SLOs help with parent/school conflict?

A: Although they aren’t mediators or advocates for individual Families, SLOs facilitate two-way communication between schools and parents.

Q: Can SLOs assist with disruptive behavior?

A: SLOs aren’t able to contact parents or intervene with disruptive behavior, but they help in other ways. The SLO can train staff on specific risk factors associated with the military lifestyle, and can facilitate communication between the school and parents to help them better understand disruptive behavior and how to address it.

SLOs can help eligible schools obtain a Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC), which can let military children address the reasons for their disruptive behavior. If a school can’t obtain an MFLC, the SLO can connect the Family to an MFLC on the installation.

Getting ready to move:

• Information about your upcoming duty station and educational options in your new community
• Connection to a youth sponsor who can answer your child’s questions from a youth’s perspective
• Assistance with the steps to prepare for your children’s departure from their current schools

Once you arrive:

• Assistance with school registration and transition
• Help with questions about compliance and solutions regarding the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
• Two way communication between the school and parent
• Connection with homeschool co-ops or support groups

During your assignment:

• Answers to your questions about schools, homeschooling, special education, scholarships, transitions and more.
• Parent education opportunities about college and career readiness, preparing for transition and the Interstate Compact 

To ease the transition, contact your SLO as soon as you get orders.

Your garrison SLO is available to you whenever the need arises, but they can be especially helpful when you receive PCS orders. Below you will find some of the supports that the SLO can offer before, during, and after a PCS relocation.

Getting ready to move:

• Information about your upcoming duty station and educational options in your new community
• Connection to a youth sponsor who can answer your child/youth’s questions about their new school/community from a peer’s perspective
• Assistance with the steps to prepare for the withdrawal of your children/youth from their current schools

 Once you arrive:

• Provide information about the local educational options and enrollment processes
• Help with questions about compliance and solutions regarding the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
• Facilitate two way communication between the school and parent
• Assist in making connections with homeschool co-ops or support groups

 During your assignment:

• Answers to your questions about schools, homeschooling, special education, scholarships, transitions and more.
• Parent education opportunities about college and career readiness, preparing for transition and the Interstate Compact 

Please see below for additional resources to support your Family.

Home | Military Kids Connect (health.mil)
provides online age-appropriate resources to help parents, teachers and children cope with the unique challenges of military life.

Plan My Move: PCS Moving Checklist & Resources • Military OneSource

Rules-Book-20190905_Second-Version_20211230.pdf (mic3.net)
This site details the components of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children which address the key transition issues military Families experience including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility, and graduation.

If you have a question regarding this document, or you are experiencing a problem with one of these key issues, contact your SLO.  Your SLO is able to assist by connecting with both the sending and receiving school to help resolve these types of issues.  If it is not possible to resolve the issue locally, the SLO will help you work with the state commission, and if needed, the national office.

Does your child have 101 questions about your next duty station? Let a youth sponsor answer them!
 

Youth sponsors connect with children before arrival at a new duty station, provide them with information about their new communities and answer questions from a youth perspective – while being guided by adults in the CYS youth program and the schools.

Once you arrive, a youth sponsor will meet your child and can arrange community and school tours.

If you're preparing for a PCS move, contact your SLO today to sign up for a youth sponsor.

Does your child have 101 questions about your next duty station? Let a youth sponsor answer them!
 

Youth sponsors connect with children before arrival at a new duty station, provide them with information about their new communities and answer questions from a youth perspective – while being guided by adults in the CYS youth program and the schools.

Once you arrive, a youth sponsor will meet your child and can arrange community and school tours.

If you're preparing for a PCS move, contact your SLO today to sign up for a youth sponsor.

Request a Sponsor

If you're between the ages of 10-18 and are on your way to Fort Detrick, someone in your own age group can help you become familiar the Fort Detrick and the surrounding communities. Request a youth sponsor! When CYS receives your information, a youth sponsor will be chosen specifically for you, and you will receive an email with area information of specific interest to youth. We will also send you the correspondence information for your local youth sponsor.

To download a Youth Sponsorship request form click here.

Become a Sponsor

Do you want to help new arrivals to Fort Detrick adjust to life at their new home? Volunteer with the Youth Sponsorship program! You can help newcomers make the best of their experience by helping them learn more about CYS and the Fort Detrick Community.

To download a Youth Sponsor application form click here.

Finding a new school and registering your child can be confusing. 

We can help.
 

Our SLOs give you information on local schools so you can find the best fit for you and your family.   They can also help you with everything you need to register – and can answer other questions, too. Contact our office and to get more detailed information.

Research-based Characteristics of Quality Schools 

Most schools share fundamental characteristics that prepare students for the future. Research shows that the most effective schools are more alike than they are different. Here is some information about what to look for in quality schools:

• Five Key Features of Effective Schools
• Effective Schools Research Base
• What is Effective School Research? 
• The United States Department of Education provides detailed information about choosing a school and offers a great number of resources to help you make an informed decision when choosing a school for your child.

Finding a new school and registering your child can be confusing. We can help!

Our SLOs give you information on local schools so you can find the best fit for you and your family.   They can also help you with everything you need to register – and can answer other questions, too. Contact our office and to get more detailed information.

Research-based Characteristics of Quality Schools 

Most schools share fundamental characteristics that prepare students for the future. Research shows that the most effective schools are more alike than they are different. Here is some information about what to look for in quality schools:

• Five Key Features of Effective Schools
• The United States Department of Education provides detailed information about choosing a school and offers a great number of resources to help you make an informed decision when choosing a school for your child.

Frederick County Public Schools

Whittier Elementary

2400 Whittier Drive

Frederick, MD 21702

Phone: 227-203-1140

West Frederick Middle School

515 West Patrick Street

Frederick, MD 21701

Phone: 227-203-2700

The Youth Sponsorship Program is available to youth family members of active-duty, retired, and reserve military, as well as youth dependents of DoD civilians. The Youth Sponsorship Program has active volunteers at the School-Age Centers, and Youth Center to welcome incoming youth and assist with their transition to Fort Detrick.

We welcome you and your family to Fort Detrick and hope to hear from your soon!

Participation in the Youth Sponsorship program as a volunteer or a new member of the Fort Detrick community will:

• Promote youth awareness and involvement in the Fort Detrick community
• Encourage new friendships
• Gain information about area schools
• Enhance youth responsibility and independence

If you have any questions regarding youth sponsorship at Fort Detrick, contact School Support Services at +1 (301) 619-7143 or +1 (301)619-7100.

If you have a child with special needs, we can help you find the resources available in your school district. We can also connect you with your local installation’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) office.

If you have a child with special needs, we can help you find the resources available in your school district. We can also connect you with your local installation’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) office.

Special Education - Special Education | Special Education (fcps.org)

Special Education Parent Resources - Parent Resources | Special Education (fcps.org)

Special Education Handbook - Special Education Handbook - Google Docs

Special Education Service Delivery and Programs- Service Delivery and Programs | Special Education (fcps.org)

Highly mobile children are entitled to an expedited process, including: a) evaluations in 30 days instead of 60 days, b) removed delays due to school district schedules for Families moving during incomplete screenings, c) continued Extended School Year for students moving in the summer. The United State Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services outlines these requirements for State Directors of Special Education. 

The Center for Parent Information and Resources offers parent education, acronyms, tools, webinars and a directory of local Parent and Information Training Centers to appropriately advocate for their children, proactively supporting personal accountability. Funded by OSEP.

Military OneSource has a range of resources in caring for a family member with special needs: education, health care, legal, financial, points of contact (EFMP, School Liaisons, etc.)

Military Community & Family Policy-Office of Special Needs provides directory of age-specific resources and States at a Glance for state education special education resources and parent resources.

DirectSTEP provides no-cost, Army sponsored online training for educators and parents on a host of special education topics such as understanding federal requirements, best practices for behavior management, IDEA eligibility, IEPs and more. Through the eCourses parents and educators learn how to apply education laws in order to obtain positive outcomes associated with critical education issues. Access the course listing and registration page through the links below.

DirectSTEP course listing 

DirectSTEP registration

Highly mobile children are entitled to an expedited process, including: a) evaluations in 30 days instead of 60 days, b) removed delays due to school district schedules for Families moving during incomplete screenings, c) continued Extended School Year for students moving in the summer. The United State Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services outlines these requirements for State Directors of Special Education. 

The Center for Parent Information and Resources offers parent education, acronyms, tools, webinars and a directory of local Parent and Information Training Centers to appropriately advocate for their children, proactively supporting personal accountability. Funded by OSEP.

Military OneSource has a range of resources in caring for a family member with special needs: education, health care, legal, financial, points of contact (EFMP, School Liaisons, etc.)

Military Community & Family Policy-Office of Special Needs provides directory of age-specific resources and States at a Glance for state education special education resources and parent resources.

DirectSTEP provides no-cost, Army sponsored online training for educators and parents on a host of special education topics such as understanding federal requirements, best practices for behavior management, IDEA eligibility, IEPs and more. Through the eCourses parents and educators learn how to apply education laws in order to obtain positive outcomes associated with critical education issues. Access the course listing and registration page through the links below.

DirectSTEP course listing 

DirectSTEP registration

Home schooling has become mainstream and widely-used. We offer resources and information to help you provide quality home-based education.

Home School Legal Defense Association provides information on home school law, and general support and information about homeschooling.

Fort Detrick Home School children may utilize the School Age Center/Youth Center computer lab and gym during the school year (Mon-Fri: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) as long as public schools are in session.  Please call 1-301-619-2901 to check availability.

Home Instruction in Maryland - Home Instruction (marylandpublicschools.org)

Click here for Home School Association for Military Families Brochure.

We understand that military transitions for children include much more than school plans and enrollment. We have a number of resources to help make your move as easy as possible for the kids, including:

Military Kids Connect provides online age-appropriate resources to help parents, teachers and children cope with the unique challenges of military life.

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) addresses key transition issues military Families experience, including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility and graduation. All 50 states have signed the compact and are in varying stages of implementation and/or compliance. The compact applies to children of Active Duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members on active duty orders and members or veterans who are medically discharged or retired within past year.

If you feel that you have an issue that the Compact can help address talk with your SLO.  The SLO is able to assist by connecting with both the sending and receiving school to assist in resolving the issue.  If it is not possible to resolve the issue locally, the SLO will help you work with the state commission, and if needed, the national office.

We understand that military transitions for children include much more than school plans and enrollment. We have a number of resources to help make your move as easy as possible for the kids, including:

Military Kids Connect provides online age-appropriate resources to help parents, teachers and children cope with the unique challenges of military life.

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) addresses key transition issues military Families experience, including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility and graduation. All 50 states have signed the compact and are in varying stages of implementation and/or compliance. The compact applies to children of Active Duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members on active duty orders and members or veterans who are medically discharged or retired within past year.

If you feel that you have an issue that the Compact can help address talk with your SLO.  The SLO is able to assist by connecting with both the sending and receiving school to assist in resolving the issue.  If it is not possible to resolve the issue locally, the SLO will help you work with the state commission, and if needed, the national office.

schoolquest.militarychild.org/

Our support doesn’t end with elementary education. If you have children preparing for academic life after high school, we can help you find information about testing opportunities, scholarships and military-specific resources that can help you plan.

The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs provides information about Military-Specific and Government Academic Support G.I. Bill

The Transferability of Educational Benefits for the Post 9/11 GI Bill are very specific. The Defense Manpower Data Center, through MilConnect will guide you through the transfer process and your eligibility to do so.  Speak with an Education Counselor prior to making this election in order to ensure you understand the benefit.

In-State Tuition Programs for Military: Service-members, active duty for a period of more than 30 days and their dependents are eligible to receive in-state tuition at many public colleges and universities in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed. An enrolled dependent may pay in-state tuition as long as he or she remains continuously enrolled at the institution, even if the service-member is reassigned outside of the state. Regulations outlined in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, 2008 (P.L 110 - 135) and the Higher Education Act of 1965 (pdf) apply.

Our support doesn’t end with elementary education. If you have children preparing for academic life after high school, we can help you find information about testing opportunities, scholarships and military-specific resources that can help you plan.

The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs provides information about Military-Specific and Government Academic Support G.I. Bill

The Transferability of Educational Benefits for the Post 9/11 GI Bill are very specific. The Defense Manpower Data Center, through MilConnect will guide you through the transfer process and your eligibility to do so.  Speak with an Education Counselor prior to making this election in order to ensure you understand the benefit.

In-State Tuition Programs for Military: Service-members, active duty for a period of more than 30 days and their dependents are eligible to receive in-state tuition at many public colleges and universities in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed. An enrolled dependent may pay in-state tuition as long as he or she remains continuously enrolled at the institution, even if the service-member is reassigned outside of the state. Regulations outlined in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, 2008 (P.L 110 - 135) and the Higher Education Act of 1965 (pdf) apply.

Here are some additional web resources to assist you with your child’s education:

Academic Resources:

Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families makes live tutors available online 24/7 to help with more than 40 core subjects and standardized test preparation.

Homework Support: Army Child Youth & School Services provides Homework Labs in before/after school programs for elementary students at the School Age Center, and for middle and high school students at the Youth Center.

Khan Academy:

A personalized learning resource for all ages Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. We tackle math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, SAT and more.    

Support/Resilience Resources:

School Support Services include information about other programs you can use for support and resilience-related issues.

Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) are available to meet in-person on or off the military installation. The free nonmedical sessions are anonymous and may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings. Child Behavioral Specialists are located on the installation in Child, Youth and School Services programs, and in highly impacted schools located on and off the installation.

Military OneSource has access to free nonmedical counseling that’s anonymous and available online, on the phone or in person. Twelve free sessions may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings.

Ready and Resilient Workshops for youth and educators are offered through the SLO and Youth Center programs. These workshops provide educators and students with the same tools Soldiers receive through their Ready and Resilient training. As Master Resilience Trainers SLOs strive to develop a common language around resilience for educators, youth and their parents.

For information on how to attend a class contact your local SLO.

College and Career Readiness Resources:

College and career readiness includes the content knowledge, skills and habits that students must have to be successful in postsecondary education. It also includes training that leads to a sustaining career. A student who is ready for college and career can qualify for and succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing college courses without needing remedial or developmental coursework. These links have tools that will help you plan for your child’s college and career readiness:

Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) provides STEM opportunities for military connected youth. The website provides information about AEOP programs available to youth, scholarship opportunities, news, and ways to get involved.

Military.com Scholarship Finder Military.com provides a search engine to help you find money for your child’s higher education needs. Search over 1000 scholarships intended for military youth. They also have a Military Scholarship Handbook.

School Support Services Scholarship Database Listing of crowd sourced scholarships for military connected youth. Scholarships are listed in alphabetical order and provide information on deadlines and qualifications.

 Financial Aid
 

Provides a description of federal student aid programs from the U.S. Dept. of Education  and how to apply for them.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply for federally funded financial assistance for education beyond high school.

Get Ready for College - College Planning, Financial Aid

LOCAL COLLEGES

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

College Park, MD 20742

www.umd.edu

The University of Maryland is the flagship campus of the state’s higher educational system and a top-ranked public research institution. It is a diverse community of 38,000 students, 9,000 faculty and staff, and 352,000 alumni, all dedicated to the pursuit of Fearless Ideas. Located just outside Washington, D.C., they discover and share new knowledge every day through their renowned research enterprise and programs in academics, the arts and athletics. And they are committed to social entrepreneurship as the nation’s first “Do Good” campus. 

HOOD COLLEGE

Frederick, MD

www.hood.edu

Hood College is an independent liberal arts college located on a striking and stunningly picturesque campus in the vibrant and historic central Maryland city of Frederick. The College’s well-regarded faculty and caring support staff provide a quality education at the undergraduate and graduate levels in a small-college environment that integrates the liberal arts with professional studies and experiential learning. Hood’s core values and traditions, its commitment to continuous improvement, comparative excellence, and exceeding student expectations have made it a treasured institution to current students and to more than 23,000 graduates living in the United States and around the world.

Mount St. Mary's University

Main Campus 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Frederick Campus 5350 Spectrum Drive Frederick, Maryland 21703 301-682-8315

http://msmary.edu

Mount St. Mary’s is a Catholic institution of higher education dedicated to liberal learning in the pursuit of truth. Mount St. Mary’s, mindful of its role in the Church’s

mission to the world and respectful of the religious liberty of all, affirms the values and beliefs central to the Catholic vision of the person and society, and seeks to deepen understanding of our faith and its practice in just and compassionate engagement with the world.

In order to enable individuals to understand and to challenge or embrace the cultural forces operating on them, Mount St. Mary’s, in all its curricular and co-curricular programs, encourages each student to undertake free and rigorous inquiry leading to a reflective and creative understanding of the traditions which shape the communities in which we live.

Mount St. Mary’s strives to graduate men and women who cultivate a mature spiritual life, who live by high intellectual and moral standards, who respect the dignity of other persons, who see and seek to resolve the problems facing humanity, and who commit themselves to live as responsible citizens.

Frederick Community College

Frederick, MD

http://www.frederick.edu/

Each year, more than 16,000 students take a diverse scope of courses at Frederick Community College, located in Frederick, Maryland.

FCC offers affordable tuition, comprehensive courses, and convenient learning options for students of all ages. Their tuition and fees are about half of what they are at four-year public colleges in Maryland, and financial aid options help make learning more accessible for all students.

Their vast range of courses includes quality instruction in more than 85 degree and certificate programs as well as workforce training and continuing education to meet the needs and interests of all the community members.

Their flexible course schedules feature weekday, evening, and weekend courses available year-round. In addition, many FCC courses are available online as web-based alternatives.

FCC proudly embraces and showcases academics, arts, athletics, and more to provide pathways to success for all types of students.

University System of Maryland

Hagerstown, MD

http://www.hagerstown.usmd.edu/

The University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH) is a regional higher education center that offers upper-division-undergraduate and graduate academic programs of the universities within the University System of Maryland at its state-of-the-art facility in downtown Hagerstown. USMH works collaboratively to develop innovative partnerships with local community colleges, businesses, and civic leaders to ensure a seamless and quality learning experience for students.

USMH undergraduate and graduate programs are premier offerings of the USM educational institutions, chosen because they meet the needs of the Washington County business community and of prospective students from Hagerstown and Frederick Community Colleges. Students graduating from USMH programs will be prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to make positive contributions to society and to thrive in the economy.

Frostburg University

Hagerstown, MD

University System of Maryland Hagerstown

http://www.hagerstown.usmd.edu/university/frostburg-state-university

Frostburg State University’s Hagerstown Campus at USMH offers Undergraduate as well as Master’s level programs and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. The campus is located at 32 West Washington Street in downtown Hagerstown.

Education Masters Programs

USMH is an integral part of the University. A Master's in Education, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a B.S. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education are offered by FSU. Most classes are offered late afternoon or evening.

Frederick County Public School

Special Education

Special Education Parent Resources

Special Education Handbook

Special Education Service Delivery and Programs

Individualized Education Programs

Montgomery County Public School

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/special-education/

What is a Unique Military Child Identifier? Numerous states have enacted a voluntary report-only self-identification of military children within their public school systems. This data collection would allow monitoring of critical elements such as academic progress and proficiency, special and advanced program participation, mobility and dropout rates. Requirements and method of collection vary from state to state.

Impact Aid

Many local school districts across the United States include within their boundaries parcels of land that are owned by the Federal Government.  They must provide a quality education to the children living on the Indian and other Federal lands while sometimes operating with less local revenue than is available to other school districts, because the Federal property is exempt from local property taxes. 

Congress has provided financial assistance to these local school districts through the Impact Aid Program. Each year Military members and Federal employees complete a Survey Form. The amount of Impact Aid – or federal assistance –received is determined by the number of eligible parents/guardians who complete the survey form. It partially compensates school districts affected by federal activity for local tax losses resulting from tax-free federal installations.

Impact Aid Fact Sheet (we will provide a hand out to link to)

Impact Aid Website

Non-DoD School Program (NDSP)

At overseas/international locations where there is not a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school, NDSP supports a variety of options for your children, ranging from public or private schools to homeschool programs.  NDSP has a team of education specialists who are available to provide transition and educational support and coordination for all students, including those with special needs. Sponsors are encouraged contact the NDSP as soon as possible for specific school information. 

Email

Phone Number +1 (571)372-5863 or +1 (571)372-1897

What is a Unique Military Child Identifier? 

Numerous states have enacted a voluntary report-only self-identification of military children within their public school systems. This data collection would allow monitoring of critical elements such as academic progress and proficiency, special and advanced program participation, mobility and dropout rates. Requirements and method of collection vary from state to state.

What is Impact Aid?

Many local school districts across the United States include within their boundaries parcels of land that are owned by the Federal Government.  They must provide a quality education to the children living on the Indian and other Federal lands while sometimes operating with less local revenue than is available to other school districts, because the Federal property is exempt from local property taxes. 

Congress has provided financial assistance to these local school districts through the Impact Aid Program. Each year Military members and Federal employees complete a Survey Form. The amount of Impact Aid – or federal assistance –received is determined by the number of eligible parents/guardians who complete the survey form. It partially compensates school districts affected by federal activity for local tax losses resulting from tax-free federal installations.

Impact Aid Fact Sheet 

Basics of Impact Aid Booklet

Impact Aid Website

What if I am traveling to an overseas/international location?

Non-DoD School Program (NDSP)

At overseas/international locations where there is not a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school, NDSP supports a variety of options for your children, ranging from public or private schools to homeschool programs.  NDSP has a team of education specialists who are available to provide transition and educational support and coordination for all students, including those with special needs.