(a) Tuition Assistance.—The Commandant may provide, subject to the availability of appropriations, tuition assistance to an eligible spouse to facilitate the acquisition of—(1) education and training required for a degree or credential at an accredited college, university, or technical school in the United States that expands employment and portable career opportunities for the spouse; or
(2) education prerequisites and a professional license or credential required, by a government or government-sanctioned licensing body, for an occupation that expands employment and portable career opportunities for the spouse.
(b) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Eligible spouse.—(A) In general.—The term “eligible spouse” means the spouse of a member of the Coast Guard who is serving on active duty and includes a spouse who receives transitional compensation under section 1059 of title 10.
(B) Exclusion.—The term “eligible spouse” does not include an individual who—(i) is married to, but legally separated from, a member of the Coast Guard under a court order or statute of any State or territorial possession of the United States; or
(ii) is eligible for tuition assistance as a member of the Armed Forces.
(2) Portable career.—The term “portable career” includes an occupation that requires education, training, or both that results in a credential that is recognized by an industry, profession, or specific type of business.
(Added Pub. L. 113–281, title II, § 214(a), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3030, § 542; renumbered § 2904, Pub. L. 115–282, title I, § 117(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4230; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], § 8505(a)(49), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4750.)
Editorial Notes
Prior ProvisionsA prior section 2904 was renumbered section 5104 of this title.
Amendments2021—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted “an individual” for “a person” in introductory provisions.
2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 542 of this title as this section.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Second Expansion of the My Career Advancement Account Program for Military SpousesPub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, § 580G, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1410, provided that: “The spouse of a member of the Coast Guard may participate in the My Career Advancement Account program of the Department of Defense if the Coast Guard reimburses the Department of Defense.”