Approval of Veterans' Programs

As the State Approving Agency (SAA), the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) approves and oversees schools and training facilities for veterans using their G.I. Bill® funds. The role of an SAA is to:

• Advocate for quality and diverse education and training opportunities for veterans.
• Ensure state and federal quality criteria are met.
• Help the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the administration of the G.I. Bill®. 

The SAA evaluates and approves programs for use of veterans’ education and training benefits at: 

• Public and private baccalaureate degree-granting institutions
• Flight schools
• Apprenticeship sites
• On-the-job training (OJT) sites

As SAA, WSAC also:

• Conducts on-site compliance visits.
• Assists with applications for approval.
• Informs veterans, military base personnel, employers, and labor groups about training and education opportunities.
• Serves as a liaison between Washington veterans and the VA.

WSAC's SAA works with state and national partners to:

• Promote and safeguard quality education and training programs for veterans. 
• Meet the changing needs of veterans through greater educational training opportunities.
• Help the VA prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the administration of the GI Bill®.

WSAC's SAA is funded under contract from the VA. 

The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board approves programs at private trade schools and career colleges.

Note: 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 http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.