TSA Training & Development offers employees opportunity to earn college degrees through their Government Reimbursement for Academic Degrees or GRAD program. GRAD is a tuition reimbursement program TSA employee can use to earn associate’s, bachelor’s, and even graduate degrees – all fully paid back.
“I always try and improve myself and wanted to educate myself,” said Supervisory TSA Officer Lorelei Turner from Columbus, Ohio’s Rickenbacker International Airport. Turner is a recent graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which was made possible through GRAD.
If all requirements are met, employees may receive up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement each calendar year.
“It’s not hard,” said Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Supervisory TSA Officer Nikitria Beasley of the process to sign up. “It’s a very simple process. Make sure your school is listed and take your courses.”
Beasley attended the University of Texas at Arlington and recently earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance.
Turner has been pursuing her education for nearly 10 years.
“I got my associate’s in 2014 and my bachelor’s (with a minor in security and intelligence) in 2016,” said Turner.
In March 2020, TSA started the GRAD program, and she immediately applied.
“I finally completed my Master of Science in aeronautics, emphasis aeronautics, aviation and aerospace operations in 2022,” Turner said. “I took some time off between my bachelor’s and master’s for personal reasons.”
Echoing the program’s easy process, Beasley said, “I thought it was an awesome program. The program details and administrative GRAD emails were always forwarded correctly, a very simple process.”
When asked if they would change anything about their experience, both women answered with a resounding, “No!”
Turner also has her sights set on furthering her education, even to the doctorate level, which she can achieve through the GRAD program.
You can find more information about the program by emailing GRAD.