FY26 Advanced Education Vouchers: Unlocking Master’s Opportunities for Chiefs Mess Leaders

The Navy’s Advanced Education Voucher (AEV) program offers financial support for senior enlisted personnel to pursue advanced degrees relevant to their naval duties. This initiative bolsters educational growth among senior enlisted leaders, enhancing their leadership capabilities through diverse knowledge and skills.

“The AEV program empowers our seasoned naval warriors with educational tools to navigate the evolving security landscape,” explained Albert Sharlow, manager of the AEV program at the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). The program is designed for top-performing active-duty personnel at the E-7 to E-9 levels on shore duty, who have a bachelor’s degree and sufficient time to complete a master’s degree.

For the fiscal year 2026, there are seven slots open for master’s programs, focusing on disciplines such as Emergency and Disaster Management, Project Management, Systems Analysis, and more. Degree programs not explicitly listed require validation by the NETC AEV manager to ensure relevance to Navy operations.

The AEV program funds up to $20,000 annually for tuition, books, and fees, with a total cap of $40,000 over 24 months. Candidates must commit to commencing studies in the fall term of 2025 and agree to a service obligation correlating with their educational duration.

Applications are due by May 5, 2025. Interested personnel can find more information by visiting the Navy College Program’s website or contacting Albert Sharlow directly via phone or email.

NETC is responsible for transforming civilians into proficient service members, maintaining a focus on readiness and operational excellence.