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. Searchable Program Types:
WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search Searchable program Types:
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.
- Application Request Form (general, updated on 1-18-23)
- Application Request for Medical Residency, Fellowship, or Internship Form (updated 6-19-22)
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:
- April 6, 2023
- May 4, 2023
- June 1, 2023
- July 6, 2023
- August 3, 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.
Virginia Military & Student Veteran Education Summit on September 22, 2022 at William and Mary
Thank you for attending the 2022 Virginia Military & Student Veteran Education Summit. Below we are providing links to the presentations for your review:
- Keynote Address #1- Kameron Smith
- Non-Profit Entrepreneurial Success in the Veteran World- Mark Casper and Jason Haag
- Virginia Association of Schoo Certifying Officials- Dr. Takesha McMiller
- Learning to Serve After Service- Jonathan “JD” Due
- Utilizing Credits 2 Careers in your Career Search- Emily Jones-Green
- The Virginia Assembly of Student Veterans: For Student Veterans by Student Veterans- Kate Milenski
- Using Design Thinking to Plan Your Next Steps in College & Beyond-Mary- Chris Escobar
- State Approving Agency Updates– Aaron Martin
- 9/11 Remembrance at VCU: How To Get Your School and Students More Involved– James Grubb, Jacob Davenport, and Stephen Ross
- Suicide Prevention Resources: Keynote Address #2- Brandi Jancaitis
- Additional Suicide Prevention Video
- The Opportunity of Entrepreneurship- Graham Henshaw
- Risk-Based Surveys– Michelle Hill
- Student Veterans Engagement: Theory to Practice- Charlie Foster
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
School Certifying Official Resources
Contact the State Approving Agency | |
Virginia State Approving Agency |
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 |
Michelle Hill |
Senior Education Manager |
804-516-2975 michelle.hill@dvs.virginia.gov |
Debbie Carter |
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 |
Vacant |
Veterans Education Manager |
804-225-2298 saa@dvs.virginia.gov |
Elita Robinson |
Veterans Education Manager |
804-389-3562 elita.robinson@dvs.virginia.gov |