COLUMBUS, Ohio — The directors of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) and Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) joined the governor Friday in announcing the Military Recruit Award program, an initiative meant to encourage military members to work in schools.

What You Need To Know

  • Department leaders and the governor announced the Military Recruit Award program Friday

  • It's an initiative meant to encourage military members to work in schools

  • The program makes available $3,000 as a hiring bonus if service members, veterans or even their spouses work for Ohio schools

  • Schools can be reimbursed and receive a $1,500 bonus for hiring one of these individuals

A press release from the Gov. Mike DeWine’s office states that the program makes available $3,000 as a hiring bonus if service members, veterans or even their spouses work for Ohio schools.

“In Ohio, we are proud to support members of the military and their families,” DeWine said in the release. “This program is not only a win for our service members but also for our students. What they will gain from these heroes goes beyond textbooks. They will have a front-row seat to learn about important life values like duty, integrity, respect and courage. I look forward to seeing the positive benefits our Military Recruit Award will bring to entire communities.”

This bonus applies to “public school districts, community schools, independent STEM schools and joint vocational school districts,” and the schools will be reimbursed by the DEW if that hire stays on for at least a year. That’s in addition to a $1,500 bonus a school/district receives for hiring one of these individuals.

“I am grateful for the Military Recruit Award, which is yet another example of how Ohio values military service and the unique skill sets of veterans and those currently serving,” said Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst (U.S. Army, retired), director of the ODVS, in the release. “A strong sense of values, discipline and teamwork make veterans and military members ideal for influencing the development and education of Ohio’s children. This program will be a path to a successful career transition for many Ohio veterans.”