King-Hinds, NMTech Advance Effort to Bring GI Bill Benefits to Local Vocational Training

October 23, 2026 Press Release Saipan – Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds announced that the Northern Marianas Technical Institute (NMTech) has formally submitted its application to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to participate in GI Bill education programs, advancing efforts to make technical and workforce training more accessible to veterans in the Commonwealth. The effort began when a local veteran raised the issue during a King-Hinds town hall on Saipan, asking whether GI Bill benefits could be used for training at NMTech. Following that discussion, the Congresswoman met with NMTech Chief Executive Officer Jodina Attao and contacted the VA to determine what steps would be necessary for the institute to participate. “This started with a veteran in our community raising a practical question about using the benefits they earned for training here at home,” King-Hinds said. “We took that question to the VA, worked with NMTech to understand the requirements, and now the institute has submitted its application. I am grateful to Jodina and her team for taking this important step toward expanding opportunities for our veterans.” In response to the Congresswoman's inquiry, VA confirmed that it serves as the State Approving Agency (SAA) for educational and training institutions in the CNMI seeking approval to participate in GI Bill education programs. VA also clarified that accreditation, while helpful, is not required for an institution to pursue approval. On August 18, 2026, VA contacted NMTech directly to outline the requirements for participation, including applicable reporting, recordkeeping, and oversight responsibilities. Following these discussions, NMTech submitted its application for approval and is now awaiting VA's determination. “NMTech is excited about the opportunity to expand access to our technical training programs for the veterans who have served our nation,” said NMTech Chief Executive Officer Jodina Attao. “We believe our veterans should have the opportunity to put the education benefits they have earned toward developing new skills and building careers right here in the Commonwealth. We thank Congresswoman King-Hinds and her office for helping us navigate this process and for their continued support of our efforts to expand educational opportunities in the Marianas.” NMTech's application remains subject to VA review and approval. Veterans will be able to use applicable GI Bill education benefits at the institute only after the institution and its eligible programs receive the necessary approvals. “Veterans who want to learn a trade, build new skills, or prepare for another career should have the opportunity to do so without having to leave the Commonwealth,” King-Hinds added. “Our veterans earned these benefits through their service, and I want to see more of those benefits put to work here at home. I want to congratulate Jodina Attao and the entire NMTech team for the important work they continue to do to expand vocational education and training opportunities in the CNMI, and especially for exploring new ways to make these opportunities available to our veterans. My office will continue working with NMTech and the VA as the application moves through the approval process.”````` Issues : Workforce