The Veterans Education and Training Section functions as the
South Carolina State
Approving Agency (SAA). This state entity acts on behalf of the Federal
Government to evaluate educational/vocational institutions and training
establishments where veterans and dependents eligible for VA educational
benefits (under Title 38, United States Code, Chapters 30, 32, 35, and 36,
and Title 10 US Code, Chapter 1606) can achieve either an educational, a
professional, or a vocational objective. The primary responsibility and
focus of the State Approving Agency is the review, evaluation and approval
of quality programs of education and training under both State and Federal
criteria. SAA Area Coordinators visit institutions/establishments seeking
approval to review the appropriateness of each program within state laws and
standards in addition to federal VA laws and regulations, as well as any
other applicable guidelines. Area Coordinators evaluate curricula, training
programs, student or training records, job placement, physical facilities
and equipment as well as faculty/trainers, administration, and standards
governing progression in the academic or training programs. Programs are
either approved or disapproved. If approved, SAA provides continuous
oversight by conducting (annual) on-site supervisory visits to approved
institutions/establishments. The agency also provides technical assistance
to all interested parties and conducts outreach activities to foster usage
of the GI Bill. Therefore, the State Approving Agency