Current Service Member

The Purple Star School Program is a recognition initiative that acknowledges schools' efforts to support military-connected students and their families. Schools in this program provide a welcoming environment and address the unique needs of military families, helping to ease transitions during deployments and offering access to resources. There are nearly 40 schools in Utah that have achieved this designation.

Learn more: Utah Purple Star Schools

Utah's early enrollment benefit for military families allows them to register their children in charter and public schools as soon as they receive assignment notification, rather than waiting for official orders. This eliminates unnecessary delays and uncertainty in the enrollment process. Additionally, the state waives enrollment period requirements for military families, ensuring a seamless transition for students and demonstrating Utah's commitment to supporting their educational needs during relocations. Speak to your school for more information.

In both the 2020 and 2021 Air Force Support of Military Families Reports, Utah has distinguished itself as the sole state to attain a "green" status in the education and reciprocity domains. This achievement underscores Utah's commitment to supporting military families and service members alike. Notably, Utah has been recognized as a leader in the realm of spouse licensure reciprocity, a best practice acknowledged by the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF). These recognitions highlight Utah's dedication to providing top-notch educational opportunities for military children and our efforts to make transitions for military families as smooth and seamless as possible.

Utah is a member of the The Military Interstate Children's Compact, which is a crucial framework that addresses educational challenges faced by military-connected children due to frequent relocations. MIC3 is designed to ensure a seamless transition in education for military families as they move from one state to another. One key component of this compact is the "Military Interstate Children's Compact Protections for All," which outlines the rights and protections that military children should receive. Utah is the only state to afford full education protections to children of guard and reserve members. Other states only provide full protections when service members are activated under Title 10.

The 2022 Utah legislature allocated funding to hire four dedicated Military Child Education Specialists (MCES). These specialists are instrumental in supporting the educational needs of military children in schools around Hill Air Force Base and the broader area. MCES professionals provide personalized support, address potential disruptions caused by relocations, and collaborate closely with educators, parents, and military authorities to create a nurturing educational environment for military-connected children.

The Military and Family Readiness Center at Hill Air Force Base is committed to enhancing the readiness and resilience of Team Hill and their families, the center offers awide range of essential services and resources. From deployment support to personal financial readiness, employment assistance, volunteering opportunities, and family life resources, the center plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our military members and their loved ones are well-prepared to face the challenges that come with their service.

Learn more: Hill AFB Military and Family Support Center

The National Guard Family Assistance Centers offer support to their community by providing information, referrals, and follow-up services across a spectrum of essential services. These services encompass vital areas such as ID and DEERS assistance, TRICARE guidance, financial support, legal advice, crisis intervention, Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) operations, the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), and comprehensive community outreach services throughout the military life cycle.

Learn more: Utah National Guard Family Assistance Centers

The National Guard Family Assistance Centers offer support to their community by providing information, referrals, and follow-up services across a spectrum of essential services. These services encompass vital areas such as ID and DEERS assistance, TRICARE guidance, financial support, legal advice, crisis intervention, Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) operations, the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), and comprehensive community outreach services throughout the military life cycle.

Learn more: Utah National Guard Family Assistance Centers

The Utah National Guard provides valuable education benefits to its members, supporting their academic pursuits while serving their state and country. Through programs like the Utah National Guard Tuition Assistance Program and the Montgomery GI Bill, members can access financial assistance to cover tuition and related educational expenses. Additionally, the Utah National Guard often collaborates with colleges and universities to facilitate flexible and accessible educational opportunities for its members.

Learn more: Utah National Guard Education Services

The Scott B. Lundell Tuition Waiver for Military Members' Surviving Dependents is an educational assistance program designed to support the children and spouses of deceased military service members. This initiative honors the memory of Scott B. Lundell, a dedicated advocate for veterans and their families. Under this program, eligible survivors are granted tuition waivers, allowing them to pursue higher education without the financial burden of tuition fees. Contact the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs for more information.

The Purple Heart Tuition Waiver in Utah is a program designed to honor and support military veterans who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving their country. This initiative provides eligible Purple Heart recipients with a significant benefit by waiving tuition fees for undergraduate programs at public colleges and universities within the state of Utah. Contact your school’s admission office for more information.

The Utah Veterans and Military Employment Coalition is a collaborative effort involving various local, state, federal, and private sector organizations. This coalition works together to address employment-related issues and develop programs that benefit veterans, military members, and their dependents. By pooling resources and expertise, they aim to create opportunities for these individuals to find meaningful employment and career advancement.

Utah's Spouse Licensure Reciprocity program facilitates the process of obtaining professional licenses for military spouses who are licensed in another state. This initiative recognizes the challenges military families face when relocating and aims to ease the transition by streamlining the licensure process. Utah is also a member of multiple professional licensure compacts, further simplifying the reciprocity of licenses across state lines.

Learn more: Utah Division of Professional Licensing - Military Resources

The Utah Patriot Partnership Program, administered by the Utah Department of Workforce Services, partners with businesses that pledge to give priority consideration to veterans, military members, and their spouses during the hiring process. This program encourages employers to recognize the valuable skills and experiences these individuals bring to the workforce and supports their successful integration into civilian employment.

Learn more: Utah Patriot Partnership

The First Time Home Buyer Grant Program in Utah is designed to support military members who are purchasing their first home. It provides a valuable $2,500 grant to help ease the financial burden of buying a home. This program recognizes the unique challenges and sacrifices that military personnel face and aims to make homeownership more accessible to them, promoting stability and security for those who serve.

Learn more: Utah First Time Home Buyer Grant

The Housing Priority Program is a collaborative effort between partner developers and the military to offer essential benefits to military families seeking housing solutions. Through this program, developers provide various incentives such as closing cost grants and assistance with appliance purchases, making it easier for military families to find suitable housing. These initiatives contribute to improving the overall well-being of military personnel and their loved ones by reducing the financial strain associated with relocating or purchasing a home.

The Armed Forces Property Tax Exemption is a valuable initiative offered by the state to military members who serve and deploy for a minimum of 200 days in a calendar year. This program provides a significant property tax exemption, offering financial relief to military personnel and their families. It recognizes the contributions and sacrifices made by these individuals in defending the nation and aims to ensure that they can enjoy certain financial benefits, including reduced property tax obligations, as a token of appreciation for their service. Contact your county assessor for more information.

"Magnify Utah", a program initiated by Utah's Office of Multicultural Affairs, serves as a vital resource for military families transitioning to Utah. In a state with a rich tapestry of cultures, Magnify Utah facilitates the integration of military families into their new communities by highlighting the diverse traditions, languages, and customs that make up Utah's cultural landscape. Through tailored events, workshops, and online platforms, Magnify Utah creates opportunities for military families to connect with local communities, fostering understanding and appreciation. By embracing the diversity of Utah, MAGNIFY supports military families in building meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging as they navigate the challenges of relocation.

Learn more: Magnify Utah

The Five and Thrive initiative is designed to enhance the quality of life for military families by focusing on five key areas: Childcare, Education, Healthcare, Housing, and Spouse Employment. It aims to consolidate quality-of-life resources into a centralized platform, educate military families about available resources and best practices, advocate for improvements in these areas, foster community partnerships, and highlight the exceptional contributions of military spouses.

Learn more: Five & Thrive

Blue Star Families of Utah is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, resources, and a sense of community to military families in the state of Utah. Blue Star Families of Utah offers a wide range of programs and services. These include educational workshops, social events, and opportunities for military families to connect and share their experiences. By fostering a supportive network and advocating for the needs of military families, Blue Star Families of Utah plays a vital role in enhancing the well-being and resilience of those who serve our country and their loved ones in the Beehive State.

Learn more: Blue Star Families of Utah

The USO (United Service Organizations) in Utah plays a significant role in serving the needs of the military community in the state. With its commitment to enhancing the well-being of service members and their families, the USO in Utah provides a wide range of programs and services, including entertainment events, morale-boosting activities, and essential support to military personnel stationed in Utah.

Learn more: USO Intermountain

Utah@EASE is a collaborative referral program, led by the Office of the Utah Attorney General in partnership with the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs and the Utah State Bar. This initiative connects eligible Veterans and current service members with pro bono legal services for various Utah-specific issues, including Power of Attorney, Wills and trusts, Consumer fraud, Predatory lending, Debt, Landlord or tenant rights, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). However, it does not cover criminal, family law, personal injury, VA claims, or legal matters involving public entities.

Learn more: Utah@Ease

Child Education

Higher Education

Employment

Housing

Additional Resources