More specifically, House File 117 broadens eligibility to include short-term credential and certificate programs, enabling Guard members to pursue high-demand skills in fields such as avionics, cybersecurity, IT, electronics and welding through Iowa’s colleges and accredited institutions.

House File 118 designates federal military tuition assistance (MilTA) as the first source of funding, making INGSS a “last-dollar” benefit. This ensures full tuition and fee coverage for eligible members while maximizing educational funding and supporting Iowa’s post-secondary institutions.

IANF Adjutant General, Major General Stephen Osborn said “The Iowa National Guard is composed of Iowans who live, work and serve here. This scholarship is a smart, long-term investment in our state’s future—fostering leadership, education and career readiness in our communities. We are thankful to our state leaders for their unwavering support.”

Another bill the Governor signed into law, Friday, was Senate File 275, which requires the Department of Education to develop and administer a Purple Star school initiative, which recognizes applicant schools in the state that have demonstrated a commitment to supporting military-connected students and the families of such students with the goal of increasing the amount of support that schools in the state make available to military-connected students and the families of such students.