Search
Close this search box.

MyCAA School Programs in California: Eligibility Requirements and Benefits

As one of only a few approved MyCAA schools, ICOHS proudly provides military spouses with a hands-on education and training plan for exciting careers across the information technology and wellness fields. Learn about the requirements necessary to qualify for MyCAA financial assistance and get started on an exciting career.

Table of Contents
AdobeStock 183264459 1

Spouse Education and Career Training Through MyCAA Grants

The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship (MyCAA) is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for career training to eligible military spouses. 

This aid can apply to licenses, certifications, national tests, or associate degrees needed to pursue an occupation or career field. Career Step will also include a laptop for MyCAA military spouses signing up for programs that include e-book textbooks.*

* Not all programs have e-book textbooks.

Who Qualifies for the MyCAA Scholarship?

Spouses of active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, or National Guard/ARG service members in pay grades E-1 to E-5, O-1 to O-2, and W-1 to W-2 are eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition, the MyCAA Scholarship helps eligible spouses qualify for portable career fields across the United States.

Who Does Not Qualify for MyCAA?

MyCAA benefits do not extend to military spouses who are:

  • Married to service members in pay grades E-6 and above, W-3 and above, and O-3 and above. 
  • Members of the armed forces currently on Title 10 orders
  • Legally separated (or under a court order or statute of any state or U.S. territory) from a member of the armed forces on Title 10 orders
  • Married to a National Guard/reserve component military sponsor in a Warning Order/Alert, Post Deployment/ Demobilization or Transition Status
  • Married to a member of the Coast Guard
  • Unable to start and complete coursework while their military sponsor is on Title 10 orders
AdobeStock 135683058 1

Which MyCAA Program is Right For You?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports dramatic increases in employment across information technology and healthcare services. With MyCAA tuition assistance, spouses of active duty service members will receive training in these in-demand fields. 

Military spouses interested in our information technology programs can decide between our IT Systems Administrator or IT Network Specialist certificate programs. We also offer training programs in professional massage therapy and holistic health.

Information Technology Careers

The job market for computer and information technology employees nationwide is generally favorable, with many opportunities for job growth and competitive salaries. Various regions across the country, including states such as Texas, North Carolina, San Diego, Florida, and Maryland, offer promising prospects. ICOHS College offers certificate programs online and offline to prepare students for careers as IT network specialists or IT systems administrators.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This increase is expected to result in about 682,800 new jobs over the decade.

Some of the in-demand computer and information technology jobs, as listed by the BLS, include:

  • Software developers
  • Computer systems analysts
  • Web developers
  • Information security analysts
  • Computer network architects
Healthcare Careers

The job market for massage therapists can vary depending on the location and the specific type of massage therapy. Some massage therapists work in spas, fitness centers, or health clinics, while others are self-employed and run their own private practices.

According to BLS, the employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 20% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Competition for massage therapy jobs can be intense in certain areas, particularly in urban areas with a high concentration of spas and wellness centers. However, the BLS reports that employment opportunities are expected to be favorable overall, especially for massage therapists who have received advanced training in a specific type of massage therapy and have established a reputation for quality work.

ICOHS college offers fast-track programs to prepare students for careers as massage therapists or holistic health practitioners. 

Students will be prepared for careers across various settings, including massage therapy clinics, spas and resorts, cruise ships, fitness centers, nursing homes, and doctor’s offices. 

MyCAA Program Requirements

AdobeStock 416418900 1 scaled e1711664338661

To qualify for a MyCAA scholarship, individuals must meet the following requirements:

  • All recipients must be part of the military community and married to active duty service members in either the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or National Guard on Title 10 orders.
  • All recipients must be married to service members within the same pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2, and should have successfully completed high school.
  • All recipients must complete coursework while their military sponsor is on Title 10 military orders, as reported in DEERS.
  • Members of the National Guard and Reserve Components Spouses are also eligible so long as they fall within the ranks of E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2.

What Does the MyCAA Holistic Health Program at ICOHS Cover?

Here is a comprehensive list of the holistic health program subjects covered under the MYCAA program at ICOHS College:

Professional Massage Therapy: This program offers training in both Eastern and Western modalities, such as Asian bodywork therapies, sports massage, therapeutic massage, deep tissue, basic and advanced Swedish techniques, and special populations.

Holistic Health Practitioner: This program offers high-level holistic applications to enhance massage and bodywork skills. Students also receive training in energy medicine modalities (sound and color therapy, crystals, chakra healing), holistic health applications (mindfulness, breathwork, herbal medicine, aromatherapy), advanced orthopedic assessments, hot stones and cupping massage.

What Is Covered Under the MYCAA Information Technology Program (Online and Offline) at ICOHS?

The specific courses and subjects covered under the MYCAA IT program (online and offline) at ICOHS College may vary, but some common areas of study include:

IT Network Specialist: This program covers fundamental to advanced skills and focuses on four highly sought-after IT certifications. Students gain expertise in troubleshooting, configuring, and repairing various devices such as PCs, laptops, printers, cellphones, and tablets, as well as working with networking components like hubs, access points, switches, routers, firewalls, and security devices. This comprehensive program prepares you for certifications and careers ranging from tier I, II, and III IT support & help desk positions to network technician, network analyst, and network administrator roles.

MyCAA Benefits

AdobeStock 515473166 1

The MyCAA Scholarship pays tuition costs for education and training courses and examinations leading to an associate degree (this does not include associate degrees in General Studies, Liberal Arts, and Interdisciplinary Studies that do not have a concentration). 

The scholarship also covers costs for obtaining a license, certificate, or certification at an accredited college, university, or technical school within the United States or an approved testing organization that increases employment or portable career opportunities for military spouses.

Students will receive employment readiness counseling from a career coach to identify expanded career choices and opportunities along with the necessary support resources. This may include childcare, transportation, books, computers, equipment, supplies, and more. 

Spouses will also enjoy employment assistance by way of referrals. In addition, MyCAA spouse participants who have completed their programs of study using MyCAA funding will be connected to military-friendly employers, including the Military Spouse Employment PartnershipUSAJOBS.govCareerOneStop.org, and Blue Star Families Blue Star Career Center.

Check out our post for more information on MyCAA Benefits.

AdobeStock 135767932 1 scaled

How to Apply

The following is a step-by-step explanation of the process for applying for the MyCAA scholarship:

  1. Eligibility Verification: The first step is determining if you are eligible for the MyCAA scholarship.
  2. Create a MyCAA Account: Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you must create a MyCAA account by visiting the MyCAA website. To create your account, you must provide your personal information, including that of your military sponsor.
  3. Choose a Participating School: You will need to select a participating school that offers the approved MYCAA career and training plan you wish to pursue.
  4. Submit a Career and Education Plan: Once you have chosen a participating school, you must submit a Career and Education Plan (CEP) through your MyCAA account. Your CEP should outline your educational and career goals and the specific program or courses you plan to take to achieve them.
  5. Submit a Scholarship Application: After your CEP has been approved, you can submit a scholarship application through your MyCAA account. You will need to provide information about the courses or programs you plan to take and the estimated cost of tuition and fees.
  6. Approval and Funding: If your scholarship application is approved, you will receive a funding approval letter through your MyCAA account. You will then be able to use your MyCAA funds to pay for tuition, fees, books, and other approved education and career training expenses.
  7. Complete Your Education or Training: Once you have received your MyCAA funding, you must complete your approved education or training program within three years. You will need to maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory progress toward your educational and career goals.

Visit www.careerstep.com or call 1-855-817-2601 for more information on the application process.

Need help getting started?
We can help. Click below to make an appointment today.
Request info

Why Choose ICOHS?

ICOHS College differentiates itself from other approved MyCAA schools in several ways:

  • Emphasis on Hands-On Training: ICOHS College places a strong focus on hands-on training and practical experience in addition to theoretical learning, which sets it apart from other schools.
  • Experienced Faculty: The faculty at ICOHS College are experienced professionals in their respective fields and provide students with up-to-date industry knowledge and skills.
  • Flexible Scheduling: ICOHS College offers flexible scheduling options for its students, making it easier for working individuals to fit their education into their busy schedules.
  • Affordable Tuition: Compared to other approved MyCAA schools, ICOHS College offers affordable tuition rates without sacrificing the quality of education.
  • Career Services: ICOHS College provides comprehensive career services to its students, including resume building, interview preparation, and job placement assistance, to help them succeed in their chosen fields.
  • Supportive Learning Environment: The college provides a supportive learning environment with personalized attention from instructors, tutors, and academic advisors to help students reach their full potential.

Request information about our academic programs and scholarship for military spouses by emailing us at Veterans@ICOHS.edu. You can also give us a call at 858.581.9460 Ext: 8001

FAQ

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program applies to careers ranging from aerospace, animal services, education, health and wellness, information security, construction, and more. 

The program also provides coverage for skilled trade positions, including cosmetologist, journalist, barber, aesthetician, and designer. 

MyCAA programs offered by ICOHS:

The MyCAA Scholarship can be applied to any academic institution that has been approved for participation in the program. The scholarship can be used to pursue licenses, certificates, certifications, or associate degrees necessary to gain employment in high-demand, portable career fields.

You should get a response regarding your MyCAA approval status within ten days of submitting your application.

MyCAA cannot be applied to bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees, so you won’t be able to use the scholarship to pursue additional education or credentials.

The maximum financial assistance available through the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program is $4,000. The financial assistance is intended to cover tuition and fees for education and training programs leading to portable, high-demand, and high-growth career fields. The funds can be used to cover the cost of tuition, licensing or certification fees, and exam fees, among other approved expenses.

*Financial Aid is only available to those that qualify.

ICOHS College offers several career training programs that are eligible for funding through the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program. Here are some potential career options that may be available through the MyCAA program at ICOHS College:

  • Holistic Health Practitioner: Completing the Holistic Health Practitioner program at ICOHS College may prepare individuals for careers as holistic health practitioners. They can work in various settings such as wellness centers, spas, or private practices, providing holistic health services and promoting well-being.
  • Professional Massage Therapist: Graduates of the Professional Massage Therapy program at ICOHS College can pursue careers as licensed massage therapists. They can work in spas, wellness centers, rehabilitation facilities, or even start their own massage therapy businesses.
  • Information Technology Network Specialist: The IT Network Specialist program at ICOHS College can equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in the IT field. Graduates may find opportunities as IT specialists, network administrators, technical support professionals, or pursue other roles within the technology industry.
Young Veterans Applying for Scholarships

Need Support?

Contact Us At Veterans@ICOHS.edu

You May Qualify for the $3000 ICOHS College Institutional Scholarship!*

Sign up to learn more about our needs-based tuition assistance.

By submitting this form, you accept the terms of our privacy policy and give your express written consent for ICOHS College to contact you regarding our programs and services using email, telephone or text – including our use of automated technology for calls and periodic texts to any wireless number you provide. Message and data rates may apply. This consent is not required to purchase goods/services and you may always call us directly at 858-581-9460.
Terms & Conditions

By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent for ICOHS College to contact you regarding our programs and services using email, telephone or text – including our use of automated technology for calls and periodic texts to any wireless number you provide. Message and data rates may apply. This consent is not required to purchase goods/services and you may always call us directly at 858-581-9460.