Skip to Content
Vertical Graphic Fade

The new Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) portal is live. Please call the VMSDEP Office at (804) 225-2083 or email at VMSDEP@dvs.virginia.gov if you have any issues accessing your account.

State Approving Agency (GI Bill)

The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA) validates and approves education and training courses and programs to be pursued by veterans and eligible persons. The SAA oversees Virginia’s educational and training institutions and ensures compliance with federal and state guidelines. The SAA protects veterans and schools from fraud, waste, and abuse.

The Virginia SAA is a member of the National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA).  NASAA advocates for quality education and training programs for our nation’s veterans. Please click here to learn more about NASAA.

GI Bill® Approved Facilities

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has several “WEAMS” search engines available which will allow you to search for approved programs in Virginia and around the country. However, if you do not find the program(s) for which you are searching, please contact us at (804) 225-2298 or saa@dvs.virginia.gov to determine whether the approval is in process or whether a new approval can be completed.

WEAMS Institution Search

Searchable Program Types:

  • Institution of Higher Learning
  • Non College Degree
  • On-the-Job Training/Apprenticeship
  • Correspondence
  • Flight
  • All Types

WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search

Searchable program Types:

  • Licence
  • Certfication
  • Both

WEAMS National Exams Search

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

 

Apply to Become a GI BILL® Approved Facility

Step 1: Download, complete, and submit one of two Application Request Forms to saa@dvs.virginia.gov.

Step 2: A State Approving Agency (SAA) Representative will respond to your Application Request.

Step 3: Make plans to attend one of our monthly Initial Approval Training Webinars. They are scheduled from 9:30 am to 11:30 am on the first Thursday of every month. Contact saa@dvs.virginia.gov to attend a webinar. The 2023 Initial Approval Training webinars are on:

  • June 1, 2023
  • July 6, 2023
  • August 3, 2023
  • September 7, 2023

Step 4: Submit the Application Packet to the SAA for review of your approval. An Initial Approval Packet will not be reviewed by the SAA if a facility has not completed an Initial Approval Training webinar.

Step 5: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes the SAA Approval. The VA provides final directions for the facility to be recognized as an Approved Facility and be able to certify veterans and other eligible students for their benefits.

The VA final directions typically include:

  • Complete New School Certifying Official (SCO) Training in the VA’s Online Training Portal. (One approximately 90-minute module for On-the-Job Training, Apprenticeship, Vocational Flight, High School, and Residency programs. Ten approximately 30-minute modules, about 5 hours of training, for Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree).
  • Update the 22-8794: Designation of Certifying Official form to include officials who will certify veterans’ benefits and have completed the New SCO Training.
  • Complete a Memorandum of Understanding between the VA and your institution to use the VA-ONCE (VA Online Certification of Enrollment) system.

 

Communication Regarding Liberty University

Liberty University Letter

Virtual Meeting with a State Approving Agency Manager

Schedule a virtual meeting to talk about GI Bill® Benefits at https://calendly.com/virginia-saa/virginia

 

 

Click Here to learn more about Transfer Virginia.  You can research, plan and organize your transfer journey using the information and resources available within this portal from Virginia’s institutions.

GI Bill® School Feedback Tool for Veterans

If you have an issue or complaint about a school or training facility, please feel free to submit feedback to the VA at www.va.gov/education/submit-school-feedback/introduction. The Virginia State Approving Agency would appreciate your feedback as well. You may copy and paste the issue or complaint you are sending to the VA, and send it to saa@dvs.virginia.gov. Just as the VA will do, the SAA will review your feedback and pass it along to your school for their review. Then we will let you know how we are handling your feedback.

 

Contact the State Approving Agency

Virginia State Approving Agency
101 N. 14th Street, 17th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Telephone: 804-225-2298
Fax: 804-786-0809
saa@dvs.virginia.gov

Name Title Contact Information

Patrice Jones

Director of Education Programs

804-212-8091
patrice.jones@dvs.virginia.gov

Tramaine Carroll-Payne

Deputy Director of Education Programs

804-248-1239
tramaine.carroll-payne@dvs.virginia.gov

Antoinette Blake

Education Support Specialist

804-225-2298
antoinette.blake@dvs.virginia.gov

Vacant

Veterans Education Manager

804-516-2975
@dvs.virginia.gov

Debbie Carter

Senior Veterans Education Manager

804-489-1039
debbie.carter@dvs.virginia.gov

Stephanie Davenport

Veterans Education Manager

804-512-1516
stephanie.davenport@dvs.virginia.gov

Aaron Martin

Veterans Education Manager

804-895-8047
aaron.martin@dvs.virginia.gov

Ryan O'Hallahan

Veterans Education Manager

804-801-6682
ryan.o'hallahan@dvs.virginia.gov

Elita Robinson

Veterans Education Manager

804-389-3562
elita.robinson@dvs.virginia.gov