In honor of Flag Day and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is spotlighting the Pennsylvania National Guard Military College Assistance Program (MCAP), a scholarship program designed to support cadets at Valley Forge Military College (VFMC) on their path to becoming commissioned officers.

MCAP provides full tuition coverage for four undergraduate years to 10 cadets annually. Open exclusively to VFMC students, this accelerated ROTC program offers an associate degree and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard—two years ahead of traditional ROTC timelines.

Cadets also receive:

   •A $420 monthly stipend during both freshman and sophomore years

  •A VFMC grant covering 100% of room and board

   •Guaranteed transfer to any PASSHE school with full tuition coverage

   •Tuition coverage at non-PASSHE schools up to PASSHE rates

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to serve and study,” said Senator Wayne Fontana, Chairman of the PHEAA Board. “These cadets are future leaders of our Commonwealth and our country.”

The program is funded by the Commonwealth and administered by PHEAA.

Applications for the 2026–27 school year open July 1, 2025.