Veteran Technology Training
at Digital Workshop Center
VET TEC 1.0 ended. VET TEC 2.0 has different rules. Here is where DWC stands and how veterans train with us today.
Digital Workshop Center has been training veterans in technology careers since before VET TEC existed. We were an approved provider under VET TEC 1.0, and veterans used those benefits to enroll in our certificate programs in data analytics, web development, UX design, graphic design, and digital media production.
VET TEC 1.0 ended on April 1, 2024. VET TEC 2.0 launched in mid-2026 under new legislation with significantly different rules for both providers and students. DWC is not currently on the VET TEC 2.0 approved provider list, and this page explains exactly why in plain terms, along with what we offer veterans instead.
The short answer: our Next Mission Scholarship covers 80% of tuition for qualifying veterans, with the remaining balance financed through Climb Credit at roughly $41 to $55 per month depending on the program. For many veterans, this is a more accessible path than VET TEC 2.0, which is capped at 4,000 slots per year nationwide and requires 36 months of active duty service.
What Happened to VET TEC
VET TEC 1.0: The Pilot Program (2019–2024)
Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses, better known as VET TEC, was a five-year pilot program run by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It paid tuition directly to approved training providers, plus a monthly housing allowance, for veterans who enrolled in short-term, high-tech certificate programs. No GI Bill entitlement was required, and veterans could participate with as little as one day of GI Bill benefits remaining.
Digital Workshop Center was approved as a VET TEC provider during this period, and veterans enrolled in our programs using those benefits. The pilot was funded year to year, and the VA formally ended new VET TEC enrollments on April 1, 2024, when the initial authorization expired.
VET TEC 2.0: The Relaunch (2025–Present)
Congress reauthorized a new version of the program through the Elizabeth Dole Field and Community Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act, signed into law on January 2, 2025. VET TEC 2.0 is not a continuation of the pilot — it is a different program with different eligibility rules, different provider requirements, and a different funding structure. Key changes include:
VET TEC 2.0: What Changed
If you researched or used VET TEC before 2024, the program you knew is not the same one that relaunched in 2026. These are the most important differences.
- 36 Months Required VET TEC 1.0 required only one day of GI Bill entitlement. VET TEC 2.0 requires at least 36 months of active duty service. Veterans who served shorter terms are not eligible.
- GI Bill Entitlement Is Now Charged Under VET TEC 1.0, participating did not reduce your GI Bill balance. Under 2.0, the VA charges one month of GI Bill entitlement for every month of full-time training — unless you have already exhausted your GI Bill entirely, in which case no deduction is made.
- 4,000 Slots Per Year VET TEC 2.0 is capped at 4,000 paid participants per fiscal year nationwide, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. When the cap is reached, no new enrollments are funded until the next fiscal year.
- Provider Approvals Did Not Transfer Every training provider that was approved under VET TEC 1.0 had to reapply under VET TEC 2.0. Old Certificates of Eligibility from the pilot are not valid for 2.0. Both students and providers start the process over from scratch.
Housing Allowance: Online-only programs receive a monthly housing allowance of $1,169 through July 31, 2026, rising to $1,261 on August 1, 2026. Residential in-person programs pay at the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for the training location’s ZIP code.
Applications: The VA’s student application portal for VET TEC 2.0 opened June 15, 2026. To check current approved providers and programs, use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
Why DWC Is Not Currently on the VET TEC 2.0 Approved Provider List
We want to be direct about this, because veterans deserve a clear answer rather than vague language.
Under VET TEC 2.0, any training program that includes distance learning or hybrid delivery must come from a provider that is either regionally accredited or has maintained a VA contract for at least five consecutive years. This requirement comes directly from the statutory language in the DOLE Act, specifically 38 U.S.C. § 3680A, which governs how the VA approves non-traditional training providers that offer online instruction.
DWC is a non-accredited institution. We are approved by the Colorado Department of Education’s Division of Private Occupational Schools and we meet WIOA standards as an eligible training provider, but we do not hold regional accreditation. All nine of our certificate programs are delivered fully online, which means every one of our programs falls under the distance learning provision that requires accreditation.
Because we do not meet the accreditation requirement, the VA denied our VET TEC 2.0 Program Participation Agreement application on statutory grounds. We applied. We were denied. We are telling you exactly why.
We are not alone in this situation. Many high-quality online training providers that served veterans under VET TEC 1.0 are not on the VET TEC 2.0 list because the statutory framework changed. The accreditation requirement for distance learning providers was not in the original pilot structure.
What This Means for Veterans Interested in DWC
If you were hoping to use VET TEC 2.0 benefits at DWC, you currently cannot. We are monitoring the regulatory environment and will update this page if our status changes.
What you can do is train at DWC through our Next Mission Scholarship, which covers 80% of tuition for qualifying veterans and does not require accreditation, GI Bill eligibility, or 36 months of service. We also work with WIOA-funded veterans, VA Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) participants, and veterans using the Community Heroes Discount. Those options are detailed below.
The Next Mission Scholarship: 80% Off for Qualifying Veterans
DWC’s institutional scholarship for veterans does not require VET TEC, GI Bill benefits, or 36 months of service.
The Next Mission Scholarship was built specifically for veterans in career transition who need real training at an accessible price. Qualifying veterans pay 20% of standard tuition. For six-month programs, the remaining balance is financed through our partner Climb Credit at approximately $41 to $55 per month. For short programs like Project Management and CompTIA, the balance is split into two equal payments made directly to DWC.
Honorable or General Discharge
Veterans with an honorable or general discharge are eligible. Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, and Dishonorable discharges do not qualify.
Separated Within 7 Years
You must have separated from active duty within the past seven years. Veterans beyond this window may qualify for the Community Heroes Discount.
Individual Income $30K–$75K
Eligibility is based on your individual annual income, not household income. Veterans earning under $30,000 are directed to additional resources. Veterans earning above $75,000 may qualify for the Community Heroes Discount.
Enrolled in a DWC Certificate Program
The scholarship applies to all nine DWC certificate programs. The program you enroll in must be one of the qualifying programs listed below.
Programs and Veteran Net Cost
All nine DWC certificate programs are eligible for the Next Mission Scholarship. The table below shows standard tuition, what a qualifying veteran pays after the 80% discount, and the approximate Climb Credit monthly payment where applicable.
| Program | Length | Standard Tuition | Veteran Pays | Est. Monthly* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Analytics Certificate | 6 months | $7,995 | $1,599 | ~$55/mo |
| Digital Media Production Certificate | 6 months | $7,995 | $1,599 | ~$55/mo |
| Digital Marketing Certificate | 6 months | $6,995 | $1,399 | ~$48/mo |
| Frontend Web Development Certificate | 6 months | $6,995 | $1,399 | ~$48/mo |
| UX Design Certificate | 6 months | $6,995 | $1,399 | ~$48/mo |
| Advanced Graphic Design Certificate | ~4 months | $5,995 | $1,199 | ~$41/mo |
| Project Management Certificate | 6 weeks | $3,005 | $601 | 2 × $301 |
| CompTIA A+ (includes exam vouchers) | 6 weeks | $2,850 | $570 | 2 × $285 |
| CompTIA Network+ (includes exam voucher) | 6 weeks | $2,900 | $580 | 2 × $290 |
*Estimated monthly payment for 6-month programs via Climb Credit at 13.99% APR over 36 months. Short programs (Project Management, CompTIA) are paid in two equal installments directly to DWC. Subject to lender terms and loan approval. These terms are representative and may not be the exact terms of your loan.
What You Get When You Train at DWC
DWC is not a large institution. We train in small cohorts with working professionals as instructors, and the model has not changed since we opened. The average student-to-instructor ratio across our programs is 5:1. Your instructor knows what you are working on. They give you specific feedback on your specific project, not advice calibrated for a room of thirty people.
Every program is delivered live online in evening sessions so you can keep working while you train. Sessions are recorded for review. You finish with a portfolio and capstone project you present live, and career coaching is included for all certificate program students at no extra cost.
Live Instruction
100% live online sessions, not pre-recorded video. Every session includes a working professional instructor in real time. Classes average 5 students per instructor.
Career Coaching Included
Resume review, LinkedIn optimization, portfolio feedback, and interview preparation are included for all certificate students at no additional cost. For career changers, coaching also covers how to frame prior military experience as an asset in a civilian technology career.
Real Credentials
Adobe Certified Professional exam preparation is built into applicable programs. CompTIA exam vouchers are included in the A+ and Network+ programs. You finish with both a DWC certificate and preparation to sit for an industry-recognized credential exam.
Other Funding Options for Veterans
If the Next Mission Scholarship is not the right fit for your situation, here are the other funding paths DWC supports for veterans.
WIOA Workforce Funding
DWC is an approved provider under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which is administered through local American Job Centers. Veterans are a priority population under WIOA, and eligible veterans may have tuition covered in full at no out-of-pocket cost.
If you are working with a workforce case manager, bring them the program guide for the certificate you are interested in. DWC provides full documentation including learning objectives, tuition breakdown, schedule, credential information, and labor market data to support your Individual Employment Plan.
State-specific WIOA guidance is available for Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois. Contact your local American Job Center to begin a free eligibility assessment.
Community Heroes Discount for Veterans
Veterans who fall outside the Next Mission Scholarship income window or separation timeframe may qualify for DWC’s Community Heroes Discount, which provides 40% off all certificate programs. This applies to veterans whose individual income is above $75,000 or who have been separated for more than seven years.
No lengthy application is required. Verify your service and receive your discount code within two business days.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Many veterans are currently employed or transitioning into civilian employment while pursuing additional training. If you are working and your employer offers a professional development or tuition reimbursement benefit, DWC programs qualify.
Our admissions team can provide the documentation your employer’s HR department typically requires, including a program description, cost breakdown, schedule, and credential information. Learn how to ask your employer to cover training costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
I used VET TEC at DWC before 2024. Can I enroll again using VET TEC 2.0?
Not at this time. DWC is not currently on the VET TEC 2.0 approved provider list because all of our programs are delivered online, and the VET TEC 2.0 statutory framework requires online providers to be regionally accredited. DWC is not accredited. Your best path is the Next Mission Scholarship, which does not have this requirement. If our status changes, we will update this page.
Does DWC accept GI Bill benefits?
DWC is not approved to accept GI Bill Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) or Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill) benefits directly at this time. These benefits require State Approving Agency (SAA) approval, which typically requires institutional accreditation or a formal approval process that DWC has not yet completed. Veterans who want to use GI Bill benefits for technology training should use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to find currently approved programs.
Can I use VET TEC 2.0 AND the Next Mission Scholarship together?
No. VET TEC 2.0 requires you to enroll at a VA-approved provider, and DWC is not currently approved. You cannot use VET TEC 2.0 funding at DWC at this time.
Can I attend a DWC info session before applying?
Yes, and we encourage it. Free info sessions are available online and let you meet an instructor, see what a class looks like, and ask every question you have before committing to anything. Schedule a free info session here.
Are DWC programs approved for WIOA?
Yes. DWC is on the Colorado Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) and works with WIOA case managers in multiple states. Contact your local American Job Center to determine whether DWC programs qualify under your Individual Employment Plan.
Why does DWC keep this page if it is not a VET TEC 2.0 provider?
Because veterans search for VET TEC information and deserve accurate answers. This page exists to explain what happened to VET TEC 1.0, what changed in VET TEC 2.0, why DWC is not on the current approved provider list, and what alternatives are available. We think transparent information serves veterans better than removing the page or pretending the question does not come up.
Does the Next Mission Scholarship require GI Bill eligibility?
No. The Next Mission Scholarship is funded by DWC, not the VA. It has no GI Bill requirement and does not affect your GI Bill balance. Eligibility is based on discharge status, years since separation, and individual annual income.
What if I do not qualify for the Next Mission Scholarship?
Veterans whose income or separation timeframe falls outside the scholarship window may qualify for the Community Heroes Discount (40% off), WIOA workforce funding (potentially full tuition coverage), or VA Vocational Rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Our admissions team will help you identify the right path.
I am a veteran counselor or case manager. How do I refer a client to DWC?
Contact our admissions team directly at info@digitalworkshopcenter.com or (970) 980-8091. We can provide program guides, tuition breakdowns, credential documentation, learning objectives, and labor market alignment data in whatever format your agency requires. We work regularly with American Job Centers, DVR counselors, and workforce case managers across Colorado and other states.
What VA programs does DWC currently support?
DWC currently supports WIOA workforce funding and the Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG) program for eligible veterans. We are not currently approved for VET TEC 2.0, Post-9/11 GI Bill, or Montgomery GI Bill benefits.
Official VA Resources
For current VET TEC 2.0 eligibility, approved provider lists, and student applications, use the official VA resources below. DWC cannot verify or guarantee the status of any benefit outside our own programs.
- VA VET TEC 2.0 Official Page
- GI Bill Comparison Tool
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
- Find a Local American Job Center (WIOA)
- VA Education Benefits Phone: 888-442-4551 — Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
- Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG)
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Live Instruction
100% live online sessions, not pre-recorded video. Every session includes a working professional instructor in real time. Classes average 5 students per instructor.
Career Coaching Included
Resume review, LinkedIn optimization, portfolio feedback, and interview preparation are included for all certificate students at no additional cost. For career changers, coaching also covers how to frame prior military experience as an asset in a civilian technology career.
Real Credentials
Adobe Certified Professional exam preparation is built into applicable programs. CompTIA exam vouchers are included in the A+ and Network+ programs. You finish with both a DWC certificate and preparation to sit for an industry-recognized credential exam.