Please see announcement pasted below for the Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Scholarship Professionals Program being offered through Veterans Health Administration Healthcare Talent Management. The scholarships are targeted for Veterans and traditionally minority college/university students. However, anyone who meets the criteria of having been accepted into a program of study in visual impairment rehabilitation, or orientation and mobility, may apply and be considered. We are looking for applicants with a strong academic record and enthusiasm for blind and vision rehabilitation, who want to serve visually impaired Veterans who have served their nation. Please note the application period is June 1 - July 15, 2015 for the 2015-2016 academic year. Details are included in the attachment, and at the Talent Management websites listed in the attachment. Please share this message broadly to any interested individuals or group. Note: For more information contact Martin Hyacinthe, (504) 565 - 4828 Martin.Hyacinthe at va.gov Visual Impairment and Orientation & Mobility Professionals Scholarship Program (VIOMPSP) 2015 VIOMPSP Application Period VHA Healthcare Talent Management and Blind Rehabilitation Services are honored to inform you that VA will accept applications for VIOMPSP during the following dates June 1, 2015 ? July 15, 2015 As we strive to meet VHA?s needs for qualified blind rehabilitation specialists, we are asking for your assistance in attracting the best applicants to apply for this exciting scholarship and future VA employment opportunity Eligibility ? Eligible applicants must be enrolled in, or accepted for enrollment in, an academic program located in the United States that prepares graduates to meet the VA qualification standards for employment ? Applicants must be citizens of the United States and pass a background investigation Covered Expenses ? Full-time students Tuition and required fees/Maximum $15,000 per academic year/$45,000 total award 4 years to complete education ? Part-time students Tuition and required fees/Award maximums are based on ratio of full-time attendance 6 years to complete education Service Obligation ? Participants work as permanent, full-time VA employees in blind rehabilitation practice upon completing their educational program and licensure/certification ? Participants agree to a 3-year service obligation ? Participants sign a Mobility Agreement to relocate at their own expense if required to fulfill their service obligation ? Participants who fail to meet the requirements of their service obligation shall repay an amount equal to the unearned portion of the scholarship award, plus any penalty fees, to be determined by VHA Healthcare Talent Management 2015 Application Period Students interested in applying must follow the instructions in the ?How to Apply? section of the Program Announcement on USA Jobs. Applications will be accepted through USA Jobs at https://www.usajobs.gov/ June 1, 2015 ? July 15, 2015 Application Process ? VA will publish the open period for accepting VIOMPSP Applications on VA Careers at https://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/education-support.asp ? VA will post a Program Announcement and accept applications through USA Jobs at http://www.USAjobs.gov ? Applicants must submit a complete application package consisting of Application (VA Form 10-0491g) Academic Verification (VA Form 10-0491) Evaluation and Recommendation (VA Form 10-0491e). Include one each from: ? the academic program where currently enrolled or where the applicant will be enrolled; ? a person who has known the applicant for a minimum of 2 years; and ? if a current or previous VA employee, the applicant?s VA supervisor or equivalent Academic Transcript (An unofficial transcript is acceptable) R?sum? Declaration for Federal Employment (OF 306) ? All applications must be received by the deadline date in the program announcement ? See https://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/education-support.asp for more information and to download any required forms How can you help? Please share this information with any audience who would express favorable consideration for this VA effort. We are confident that with your support and engagement, we can attract the best applicants, award students with excellent scholarships, and provide exciting opportunities in the visual impairment and/or orientation and mobility fields that will assist our Veteran population with receiving specialized treatment. Bob Kresmer, president NFBA Toll free (888) 899-6322 When you purchase from Amazon, you can generate a contribution for the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona! Simply go to the website smile.amazon.com, select the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona as your selected charitable organization, and then each time you purchase from smile.amazon.com a donation of one half of one percent of your eligible purchase will go to the NFB of Arizona. Your purchases from smile.amazon.com are just the same as from the original amazon.com site, and cost you nothing! Please let your family and friends know of this easy way to make a donation.