Helping Heroes grant aids post 9/11 vets

Tennessee's post 9-11 veterans are taking advantage of the state's Helping Heroes grant program.

A new report from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury finds that 1,325 veterans have received more than $3.1 million in grant money from 2008-2013.

The Helping Heroes grant program was established by the General Assembly in 2008. The program provides postsecondary education financial assistance to Tennessee citizens who are decorated post-9/11 veterans. Helping Heroes awards total either $500 or $1,000 per student per semester (according to part-time or full-time status), as long as the student passes his or her courses.

The grants are funded through the state's system of lottery-funded scholarships.