With the Employee Incentive Scholarship Program (EISP), we offer eligible VA employees with tax-free scholarships of up to $46,307 toward the cost of higher education, including tuition, registration fees and books. In return, you agree to work at VA in a health care occupation for 1 to 3 years after you complete the program.

Dr. Kenyuatia L. Gash, a senior social worker and staff psychotherapist who has worked at VA for 12 years, obtained her Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree through her VA career thanks to the EISP, and has seen the benefits firsthand.

“EISP is more than just monetary assistance,” she said. “It is a cornerstone investment in my professional growth and ongoing contributions to social work and Veterans’ affairs. This investment has prepared me to emerge as a vanguard and innovator in the field of social work.”

With the support of the EISP, and with guidance from VA leadership, Gash said that she has also been granted opportunities to engage with prestigious platforms beyond academia, programs which she may not have been able to participate without her advanced degree.

“In these roles, my voice and expertise can influence meaningful change,” she said. “In addition, EISP has afforded me invaluable connections with respected and esteemed professionals, weaving my efforts into the national tapestry of social work and policy development.”

Work at VA

Learn more about EISP, and read more of Gash’s story, at VA Careers.

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5 Comments

  1. Michelle C Croskey May 9, 2024 at 23:22

    Discover the VA Employee Incentive
    Scholarship Program (EISP) IT IS NOT EASY AT TUSKEGEE VA

  2. Monica Watson April 26, 2024 at 13:15

    This is a great testament of the VA return of investment as well as Dr. Gash’s hard work and giving back. It’s a win-win!

  3. Teresa Long April 25, 2024 at 15:30

    Hello,
    I have been an employee with the VA sine 2012 and 40 years in the Army and would like to know where is the application? I clicked on all of the links and it takes me to another page but no application. Do I have to go the specific VA system that I work in? Please advise accordingly,

    Respectfully,

    Teresa M Long, DHSc, MPA, BSN, RN, CCM, LNC (she/her/hers)
    United States Army/Army Reserve, COL-Temp Retired

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