Gold Star Families

A Gold Star family is one that has experienced a loss of a loved one, an immediate family member, who died as the result of active-duty military service. Those who die in service to their country leave behind parents, siblings, spouses, children and extended families. These are recognized as Gold Star families. Programs and services support Gold Star Families at no cost to the survivors, including education benefits.

MDVA - Survivor Education Grant

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Surviving Spouse/Dependent Education Benefit program is available to surviving spouses and dependents of deceased Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected condition. The benefit includes an annual $750 stipend from Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs per state fiscal year and free tuition until a bachelor's degree (or equivalent degree) has been obtained.

• The surviving spouse/dependent must enroll in Minnesota "institutions of university grade" (Minnesota State system AND the University of Minnesota).
• This benefit is state funded and can only be used by Minnesota residents who meet certain eligibility criteria.

For more information and how to apply visit the MDVA-Survivor benefit page.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

Public Law 111-32, the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) to include the children of service members who die in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Eligible children attending school may receive up to the highest public, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a monthly living stipend and book allowance under this program.

Public Law 113-146, further expands the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship to include surviving spouses of service members who die in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. This is effective 01 January 2015.

A child may be married or over 23 years of age and still be eligible.

A surviving spouse's entitlement to such assistance is terminated on the earlier of: (1) the date that is 15 years after the date on which the surviving spouse's military spouse died, or (2) the date on which the surviving spouse remarries.

Effective 01 August 2018 the Yellow Ribbon Program will be extended to students receiving payments through the Fry Scholarship.

Note: Eligible dependents cannot utilize Transferred Education Benefits (TEB Chapter 33) and the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship simultaneously.

In addition, family members who are eligible for both Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance (DEA Chapter 35) and the Fry Scholarship must elect which benefit to receive.