Next Mission Scholarship: the VET TEC alternative for veterans who train online
Looking for a VET TEC approved program? DWC trained veterans under VET TEC 1.0. When VET TEC 2.0 left fully online schools off the approved list, DWC launched the Next Mission Scholarship: 80% off standard tuition on every live online DWC certificate program, with no waitlists.
- Training careers nationwide since 2006
- Live classes online
VET TEC 2.0
Looking for a VET TEC approved program?
VET TEC is a VA program that pays for high-tech training. DWC was an approved provider under the original pilot, VET TEC 1.0. VET TEC 2.0 excludes non-accredited, fully online schools, so DWC cannot accept VET TEC benefits today. That is a statutory change, not a judgment on program quality.
What VET TEC offers
- Tuition paid by the VA
- A monthly housing allowance
- Training through in-person or residential providers
If VET TEC fits your situation, we recommend it. See the VET TEC 2.0 approved providers on VA.gov.
What VET TEC 2.0 requires
- Full-time attendance
- In-person training
- A limited set of providers, often with waitlists
- A deduction from your GI Bill entitlement
Need a fully online option that fits around work and family? The Next Mission Scholarship is built for you. WIOA funding is another option to check.
What it is
What is the Next Mission Scholarship?
The Next Mission Scholarship is a DWC institutional tuition reduction, not a government benefit. Eligible veterans, and active-duty service members within 180 days of separation, receive 80% off standard tuition on any DWC certificate program.
Climb Credit finances the remaining 20% on longer programs, pays DWC directly, and manages your repayment. For Project Management, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA A+, you pay the 20% directly to DWC in two payments. The Next Mission Scholarship replaces the Veterans Tech Skills Scholarship.
Eligibility
Do you qualify for the Next Mission Scholarship?
You must meet all three criteria. An independent scholarship committee reviews every application, and an award decision can take up to 14 days.
The scholarship is for eligible veterans and service members only. Family members can apply for the Tech Skills Scholarship.
Separated veterans provide a DD-214 (Member 4 copy preferred). Active-duty members within 180 days of separation provide a military ID plus separation documentation. Guard and Reserve members with 180 or more continuous active-duty days may qualify. Eligible discharges are Honorable and General (Under Honorable Conditions); Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, and Dishonorable are not eligible.
Your separation date must fall within 7 years of your application date, measured from your DD-214. If you separated longer ago, the Community Heroes Discount (40% off) applies instead.
Only your own income counts, from all sources: wages, VA disability compensation, GI Bill housing allowance, pension, Social Security, and investment income. Spouse or partner income is not included.
Other options
If you do not meet the income criteria
You still have strong options. Here is where to look first.
If your income is below $30,000
Other programs may fully fund your training and cover more than the scholarship can. DWC will provide a support letter for a Chapter 31 request.
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31) can cover tuition, fees, books, and a subsistence allowance. Check your Chapter 31 eligibility or apply for Chapter 31.
- WIOA Individual Training Accounts through your local workforce center.
- VET TEC 2.0 approved providers for in-person training.
- The GI Bill Comparison Tool and the eBenefits VA benefits portal.
If your income is above $75,000
The Community Heroes Discount takes 40% off standard tuition, with no income ceiling and no limit on time since discharge. Climb Credit financing is available for the balance.
If you separated more than 7 years ago
The Community Heroes Discount applies to you as well, at 40% off standard tuition.
Programs and pricing
Which programs does the Next Mission Scholarship cover?
Every DWC certificate program, taught live online by working professionals with hands-on projects and career coaching. Each ends with a professional certificate issued by Digital Workshop Center.
| Program | Length | Standard tuition | You pay (20%) | How you pay the 20% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Analytics Certificate | 198 hours | $7,995 | $1,599 | Climb CreditAs low as $55/mo* |
| Digital Marketing Certificate | 198 hours | $6,995 | $1,399 | Climb CreditAs low as $48/mo* |
| Digital Media Production Certificate | 168 hours | $7,995 | $1,599 | Climb CreditAs low as $55/mo* |
| Frontend Web Development Certificate | 198 hours | $6,995 | $1,399 | Climb CreditAs low as $48/mo* |
| UX Design Certificate | 198 hours | $6,995 | $1,399 | Climb CreditAs low as $48/mo* |
| Advanced Graphic Design Certificate | 115.5 hours | $5,995 | $1,199 | Climb CreditAs low as $41/mo* |
| Project Management Certificate | 42 hours | $3,005 | $601 | Two payments to DWC |
| CompTIA Network+ | 42 hours | $2,900 | $580 | Two payments to DWC |
| CompTIA A+ IT Support | 36 hours | $2,850 | $570 | Two payments to DWC |
| CompTIA Security+ | 48 hours | $5,295 | $1,059 | Payment options with Admissions |
| AI for Business Professionals | 78 hours | $5,995 | $1,199 | Payment options with Admissions |
| QuickBooks Bookkeeper Certificate | 67 hours | $5,995 | $1,199 | Payment options with Admissions |
| Business Administration Certificate | 83 hours | $5,295 | $1,059 | Payment options with Admissions |
| Blueprint Basic Digital Literacy Certificate | 48 hours | $4,495 | $899 | Payment options with Admissions |
*As low as figures finance the 20% balance over 36 months at 13.99% APR through Climb Credit, subject to credit approval. Admissions explains the payment options for the programs marked that way.
Financing
How Climb Credit works
Climb Credit is a lender that looks at the value of your program as well as your credit history. Approval is typically quick and starts with a soft credit pull.
Documentation
What you will need to apply
Your seat is reserved only after your documents are verified. Gather these before you apply.
Proof of service
DD-214 (Member 4), or military ID plus separation orders or EAS/ETS documentation, or Guard and Reserve orders plus a DD-214.
Proof of individual income
Your most recent Form 1040 or recent pay stubs, plus a VA disability, pension, or Social Security award letter if one applies.
Government-issued photo ID
Driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
How to apply
How to apply for the Next Mission Scholarship
Complete the application
About 10 minutes. Applicants outside the income range are pointed to Chapter 31, WIOA, or the Community Heroes Discount.
Upload your documents
Proof of service, proof of income, and a government-issued photo ID.
Committee review
An independent committee reviews your application and documents. A decision can take up to 14 days.
Set up payment
Climb Credit for your 20% balance, or auto-draft payments to DWC, to reserve your seat.
Orientation and class
Meet your instructor and start. Orientation includes a non-graded Battle Buddy check-in.
Class start timing depends on enrollment and cannot be guaranteed.
Compare your options
Every way to pay for DWC training, side by side
Not sure this is your best fit? Compare it with the other options. You may apply for one DWC scholarship.
| Option | Who it is for | What it covers | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tech Skills Scholarship | Job seekers, career changers, and upskillers | 25% to 100% of tuition | See eligibility |
| Women and Tech Scholarship | Women building a career in technology | 25% to 100% of tuition | See eligibility |
| Next Mission ScholarshipYou are here | Eligible veterans and service members | 80% off standard tuition | Apply now |
| WIOA | Job seekers and dislocated workers who qualify | Approved training through your local workforce center | WIOA programs |
| Vocational Rehabilitation | Individuals with documented disabilities | Training funded by your state VR agency | Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Employer billing | Employees whose company pays for training | DWC invoices your employer directly | Employer billing |
| Payment plans | Anyone covering tuition or a remaining balance | Monthly payments through Climb Credit | Payment plans |
"The instructors bring valuable hands-on experience and offer an exceptional learning environment. ... I completed several classes at DWC including the Data Certification, and it really helped jump start my career change to the technology industry!"
Included with tuition
Support every step of the way
Guidance from your first question to graduation, included for every student at no additional cost.
Admissions advisors
From your first question through your first class, an advisor walks you through eligibility, funding, and scheduling.
Instructor mentoring
Your instructor is your mentor before, during, and after class, helping you become industry-ready.
Student support
A student support team helps you set up accounts, check your technology, and get class files.
Career coaching
Meet one-on-one with a career coach on your resume, LinkedIn, portfolio, job search, and interviews.
Tech support
Stuck mid-program? Reach tech support by Slack, email, or phone and get moving again.
Internships and alumni
Join the Parker Dewey micro-internship network for real project experience, plus the DWC alumni community.
FAQ
Next Mission Scholarship questions, answered
Still have questions? Attend a free info session or call 970-980-8091.
Is DWC on the VET TEC 2.0 approved provider list?
No. DWC is not on the VET TEC 2.0 approved provider list and cannot accept VET TEC benefits. The change came from the statute that created VET TEC 2.0, not from a review of program quality. The Next Mission Scholarship exists so veterans who would have used VET TEC at DWC still have an affordable path.
I used DWC under VET TEC 1.0. Can I return?
Yes. Prior VET TEC enrollment does not affect your eligibility for the Next Mission Scholarship on a program you have not yet completed.
Why is DWC no longer a VET TEC approved training provider?
VET TEC 2.0 rules exclude non-accredited, fully online schools. DWC is a fully online school that is not accredited, so it cannot be an approved provider under the current rules. DWC is monitoring regulatory changes.
Can I use my Post-9/11 GI Bill at DWC?
Not at this time. DWC is not approved for Chapter 33 benefits, for the same statutory reason.
How long does an award decision take?
An independent scholarship committee reviews every application. An award decision can take up to 14 days.
Is the Next Mission Scholarship available nationwide?
Yes. Every covered program is taught live online, so eligible veterans can apply from anywhere in the United States with no geographic restriction.
Can I use VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31) benefits at DWC?
Possibly. Chapter 31 approvals are made case by case through your VA counselor. DWC will provide a support letter for your request.
Does VA disability compensation count toward the income requirement?
Yes. VA disability compensation counts toward your individual annual income, along with wages, GI Bill housing allowance, pension, Social Security, and investment income.
What if my income is above $75,000?
You qualify for the Community Heroes Discount, 40% off standard tuition, with Climb Credit financing available for the balance.
What if my income is below $30,000?
VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31), WIOA, or a VET TEC 2.0 in-person provider may fully fund your training. Those programs can cover more than the scholarship can, so start there.
Which programs does the Next Mission Scholarship cover?
Every DWC certificate program: Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Digital Media Production, Frontend Web Development, UX Design, Advanced Graphic Design, Project Management, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, AI for Business Professionals, QuickBooks Bookkeeper, Business Administration, and Blueprint Basic Digital Literacy.
Can family members use the Next Mission Scholarship?
No. The Next Mission Scholarship is for eligible veterans and service members only. Family members can apply for the Tech Skills Scholarship or the Women and Tech Scholarship, which award 25% to 100% of tuition.
How does Climb Credit affect my credit?
Climb Credit uses a soft credit pull when you apply, which does not affect your score. If you accept a loan, a hard inquiry follows, and on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus.
What happened to the Veterans Tech Skills Scholarship?
It was replaced by the Next Mission Scholarship. If you applied for the Veterans Tech Skills Scholarship, contact DWC to talk through your options.
Is the Next Mission Scholarship a VA benefit?
No. The Next Mission Scholarship is a DWC institutional tuition reduction. It is not a VA, VET TEC, or GI Bill program, and using it does not use any of your VA education entitlement.
Your service earned this. Your next mission starts here.
80% off standard tuition on every live online certificate program, and no waitlists. Questions? Email info@digitalworkshopcenter.com or call 970-980-8091.
The Next Mission Scholarship is a Digital Workshop Center institutional tuition reduction. It is not a VA, VET TEC, or GI Bill program. DWC is not a lender. Scholarships are determined by an independent scholarship committee, and an award decision can take up to 14 days.
*Monthly examples finance the 20% balance over 36 months at 13.99% APR, Climb Credit's lowest current rate. Rates are set by Climb Credit and subject to credit approval; a $100 registration fee applies. Project Management, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA A+ balances are paid directly to DWC in two payments. Class start timing depends on enrollment and cannot be guaranteed.