No Result
View All Result
Military Families
SUBSCRIBE FREE
No Result
View All Result
 Military Families
SUBSCRIBE FREE
Military Families
No Result
View All Result

35+ scholarships for military-connected students

Bianca Strzalkowski
by Bianca Strzalkowski
January 6, 2021
Military Scholarships Military Families Magazine

Brigade reformation begins as U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen return to their dorm rooms in Bancroft Hall after completing summer training. Midshipmen will begin the academic school year Aug. 23. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad Runge)

ShareTweetEmailWhatsApp

Completing an education is hard enough without having to stress about how to pay for it. If you have a military affiliation and are thinking about college (or are already working on a degree), you’re in luck. Organizations have stepped up to offer education assistance to offset the cost of tuition and fees.

Yes, that’s right. There are programs — scholarships, loans, and grants — designed with you in mind. But it’s going to take some work and a lot of organization. Please note: If no deadline is indicated, it means the application period for 2021 has ended and you should check back during the same timeframe in 2022.

A few things to consider ahead of time:

  1. Read all of the criteria early so that you can plan for any time-consuming requirements, like letters of recommendation.
  2. Create reminders for deadlines so that you don’t miss any important dates.

Here is the latest list of financial aid offerings from around the military community:

YEAR-ROUND SCHOLARSHIPS

National Military Family Association

Link: https://scholarships.militaryfamily.org/offers/nmfa-spouse-scholarship

What’s the basics: Awards available for career funding, degrees, clinical supervision towards licensure in the mental health profession, and business expenses.

Deadline: Year-round


Army Emergency Relief

Link (for spouses): https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/scholarships/spouse/

What’s the basics: The Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program is a need-based scholarship program established to assist Army spouses in obtaining an undergraduate degree or similar professional certification.

Deadline: None. Spouses can apply year-round and must re-apply each year.


MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account)

Link: https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil

Who’s eligible: Spouses of service members with the rank of E1-E5; W1-W2; O1-O2.

What’s the basics: Maximum tuition assistance benefit of $4000 to be used toward an associate degree, license or certification.

Deadline: Rolling basis.


The Bennie Adkins Foundation

Link: https://www.tfaforms.com/4821531

What’s the basics: Special Forces soldiers (E5 – E9) on active duty, recently separated (within 5 years), or retired (within 5 years) who have been accepted by or already attending an accredited college, university, or vocational institution.

Deadline: Rolling basis.


Read: 5 tips to make the most of your online education

BRANCH AID SOCIETIES

Each service branch has an equivalent branch aid society that supports service members and their families through various programs – including education assistance.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

Link: http://www.nmcrs.org/pages/education-loans-and-scholarships

Who’s eligible: Spouses of active duty or retired sailors and Marines.

What’s the basics: Interest-free loans and grants for undergraduates at an accredited 2- or 4-year education, technical or vocational institution.

Details: Applications will be available January 1, 2021.

Deadline: Applications and all supporting documents are to be postmarked no later than June 1, 2021. 


Air Force Aid Society

Link: https://afas.org/haparnoldgrant/

Who’s eligible: Spouses of active duty and Title 10 Reservists, and widows.

What’s the basics: Needs-based grant ranging from $500 – $4000.

Details: Applications will be available January 2021.

Deadline: April 30, 2021.


Army Emergency Relief (for military kids)

Link (for military kids): https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/scholarships/child/

What’s the basics: The MG James Ursano Scholarship Program is a need-based scholarship program established to assist children of Army soldiers in obtaining their first undergraduate degree.

Details: Applications are available starting January 1, 2021. All applications must be submitted online. 

Deadline: The application cycle runs January 2021 – April 2021 and must be submitted no later than April 1, 2021 at midnight EDT. 


Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

Link: https://www.cgmahq.org/programs/education.html

Who’s eligible: Spouses of Coast Guardsmen.

What’s the basics: Loans and grants for a degree, license, or certification.

Details: Programs include Stafford/PLUS loan fee reimbursement, education loans, Stafford/PLUS Loan Fee Reimbursement, Supplemental Education Grants, and Tutor.com availability. You may be eligible for more than one program, so make copies of your application so it can be easily submitted to other programs. 

Deadline: Rolling basis.


PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

Modern Military Association of America

Link: https://modernmilitary.org/portfolio-items/scholarship/

What’s the basics: 10 military spouses will be awarded a scholarship ranging from $1,000 – $2,500.

Details: Applications are scheduled to open in May 2021. Winners are announced in July. 

Deadline: Applications are accepted in May through June.


FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship Program

Link: https://www.afcpe.org/resource-center/funding-and-recognition/finra-foundation-military-spouse-fellowship/read-first-then-apply/

What’s the basics: The fellowship provides military spouses the opportunity to earn the Accredited Financial Counselor® certification.

Details: You will need a letter of recommendation and complete four essay questions as part of your application. 

Deadlines: Application dates and deadlines for 2021 have not yet been announced. 


ThanksUSA

Link: https://www.thanksusa.org/scholarships.html

What’s the basics: Scholarships awarded to spouses and military kids may be used for a first-time undergraduate study at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college, university, or accredited vocational, technical, or trade school program.

Details: Scholarships are $3,000. 

Deadline: The application cycle typically runs March 1 – April 15.


Florida Advisory Council on Military Education

Link:  http://www.fla-acme.org/scholarships

Who’s eligible: Active duty, guard, or reserve service member of the U. S. Armed Forces, spouse of any active duty, guard, or reserve service member of the U. S. Armed Forces; and veteran with an honorable discharge (must provide documentation). Applicants must meet one of the three criteria: reside in Florida, be permanently stationed in Florida as part of either the active duty, guard and reserve component, or enrolled at a Florida institution of higher learning during the application period of the award year.

Details: Due to COVID-19, 2020 applications were suspended. 2021 application dates to be announced soon.  

Deadline: To be determined. 


Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education

Link: https://vaacme.org/scholarships

Who’s eligible: Active-duty and military spouses/dependents of drilling reservists, National Guard or retirees, permanently disabled military member or their family member, family member of service member who is missing or KIA, or any veteran or retiree of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

Details: Application dates are yet to be announced. 

Deadline: To be determined. 


Pat Tillman Foundation

Link: http://pattillmanfoundation.org/apply-to-be-a-scholar

Who’s eligible: Current spouses of veterans or active-duty service members, including surviving spouses.

What’s the basics: $10,000 scholarship to assist with academic expenses, such as tuition, fees, and books.

Details: Application window is Feb. – Feb. 28, 2021. Tillman Scholars are not only given scholarship opportunities but they are also able to join in leadership development programs and professional opportunities. 

Deadline: February 28, 2021


Hope For The Warriors

Link to receive an application (click apply for services): https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/

What’s the basics: Five different categories of scholarships will be awarded between $1,500 – $2,500.

Details: Applications for fall 2021 will be accepted starting March 1, 2021.

Deadline: April 30, 2021. 


Council of College and Military Educators (CCME)

Link: https://www.ccmeonline.org/awards-scholarships

What’s the basics: The organization awards $1,000 scholarships to United States military service members (active duty/veterans) and spouses of service members who are working towards the completion of higher education degrees.

Details: There are several different scholarship opportunities based on eligibility. Visit their website for more information. 

Deadline: January 31, 2021


Coast Guard Foundation

Link: https://1coastguardfoundationscholars.communityforce.com/Funds/Search.aspx#4371597136646D517975544F5976596D4E73384E69673D3D

Who’s eligible: Spouses and children of enlisted Coast Guard members, children of fallen Coast Guard members, and enlisted Coast Guard members.

Details: There are several scholarships opportunities available based on eligibility. Visit their website for more information.

Deadline: Scholarships dates and deadlines will be posted February 2021. 


DUSA – The Society of Daughters of The United States Army

Link: https://armydaughters.org/scholarships/

Who’s eligible: Applicants must be the daughter, granddaughter, stepdaughter, or adopted daughter of a career commissioned or warrant officer in the United States Army who is on active duty, retired after at least 20 years active duty service, was medically retired from active duty, or died while on active duty. High school senior and college applicants must have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in academic work completed to date.

What’s the basics: $1,500 scholarships awarded; number of scholarships awarded vary by year.

Details: Scholarship awards are delivered in two payments to directly to the institution. 

Deadline: Check back in January 2021. Applications are typically due by March 15th.


Air Force Association

Link: https://www.afa.org/education/scholarships

Who’s eligible: Eligibility is dependent on scholarship opportunity. There are scholarships available for Air Force and Space Force active duty, retired, veterans, spouses, and children. 

What’s the basics: The Air Force Association scholarships are provided by “caring organizations and individuals [to] help students pursue their dreams of higher education with generous grants. These programs exemplify the lifelong bond of Airmen and the commitment of our supporting community.”

Details: Multiple scholarships are available for varying amounts through the Air Force Association. Visit their website for a full list and links to each application.

Deadline: AFA accepts scholarship applications between Dec. 1 and April 30, 2021.


Association of the United States Army

Link: https://www.ausa.org/scholarships

Who’s eligible: Eligibility is dependent on scholarship opportunity. There are scholarships available for U.S. Army active duty, retired, veterans, spouses, and children.

What’s the basics: The Association of the United States Army offers several different scholarship opportunities for active duty, retired, veteran, National Guard, and reserve service members as well as spouses and children. Different scholarship opportunities are available including those in STEM programs, dental programs, and more. 

Details: Multiple scholarships are available for varying amounts through AUSA. Visit their website for a full list and links to each application. Applicants must hold an active AUSA membership for some scholarships.


Fischer House

Link: https://fisherhouse.org/programs/scholarships/sfmc/

Who’s eligible: Any military child whose parent(s) are serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces can apply. Students must be enrolled or plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate program that is leading to a bachelor’s degree or a junior college that is designed to directly transfer to a four-year program. High school applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and college applications much have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

What’s the basics: The Fisher House, in partnership with the Defense Commissary Agency, gives a total of 500 scholarships, awarded at $2,000 each, to eligible military children. At least one recipient is selected for each commissary location where qualified applications are received. You do not have to have a commissary in your direct location — simply chose the one that is closest to you.

Deadline: Applications are due Feb. 17, 2021


Read: Education benefits prepare veterans for post-military success

LOCAL SPOUSE CLUBS

There are dozens of spouse clubs co-located to military installations around the world. (Yes, we said world – including OCONUS locations). These organizations are a place of camaraderie for spouses, but also participate in philanthropic activities like scholarships and charitable giving. At the start of each new year, the clubs usually open up applications for scholarship programs with specific eligibility requirements. Some require applicants to be a member and some do not.

How to find them: A simple internet search of your installation and the phrase ‘military spouse club’ should produce results. Also, the club may be officer, enlisted, or combined.

TIP: Local spouse clubs typically open applications in December/January.

Below are a few examples of those currently offering education assistance —

Eielson Air Force Base Spouses’ Club (AK)

Link: https://eielsonspousesclub.com 


Fort Huachuca Community Spouses Club (AZ)

Link: https://fhcsc.com/scholarships%2Fgrants

Details: Spouses or dependent children whose sponsor is assigned to or living in the greater Fort Huachuca area are eligible to apply for FHCSC scholarships.


The Officers’ Spouses’ Club in Yuma (AZ)

Link: https://www.oscyuma.org/scholarshipsandgrants

Details: Scholarships available to military dependents within a 50-mile radius of Yuma, AZ.


Military Spouse Association of Camp Pendleton (CA)

Link: https://www.msa-cp.org/scholarships-grants

Details: The scholarship is open to spouses and dependents who have an AD or retired sponsor from Camp Pendleton.


Monterey Bay Officers Spouse Club (CA)

Link: http://mbosc.net/Scholarship-Information-and-Eligibility


Travis Spouses Club (CA)

Link: http://www.travisspousesclub.com

Details: Scholarships for graduating high school seniors, college/continuing education students, and military spouses attached to Travis AFB in Fairfield, CA.


Buckley Spouses’ Group (CO)

Link: https://www.buckleyspousesgroup.com/scholarship-application

Details: Applications are due Feb. 14, 2021


Scott Spouses Club (Illinois)

Link: https://eaee766d-80cc-49ba-a48a-e7386762e295.filesusr.com/ugd/09e149_7394d50101254c96b6af4538e18afb53.pdf

Details: Deadline for applications is Feb. 1, 2021


Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses’ Club (MD)

Link: https://www.ftmeadeesc.org/esc-scholarship

Details: Open to spouses and dependents. See website for eligibility.


Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’ Club (MD)

Link: https://fortmeadeosc.wordpress.com

Details: Open to local Fort Meade affiliated dependents (including spouses).


Camp Lejeune Officers’ Spouses’ Club (NC)

Link: https://camplejeuneosc.wildapricot.org/CLOSC-Scholarship-Philanthropy

Details: Spouses of active duty military personnel assigned to MCB Camp Lejeune, a tenant unit aboard Camp Lejeune, Camp Johnson, Camp Geiger, or MCAS New River; or deceased military personnel whose last active duty station was one of the above locations


Fort Bragg Spouses Club (NC) 

Link: https://fortbraggabs.membershiptoolkit.com/story/70930

Details: Awarded to spouses, dependents, and service members who are continuing their education at the collegiate level, including undergraduate and graduate levels


MCAS New River Officer Spouses Club (NC)

Link: https://newriverosc.org/scholarship/


Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club (NE)

Link: http://offuttenlistedspousesclub.com/scholarships


Offutt Officers’ Spouses’ Club (NE)

Link: https://offuttosc.com/scholarships


Minot Spouses’ Club (ND)

Link: https://minotsc.com

Details: Spouses & dependents of active duty, retired, or deceased military Members of any rank or service branch seeking a degree or certificate from an accredited college or vocational school.


Tinker Air Force Base (OK)

Link: https://www.tinkerspouses.org/what-we-do


Military Spouses of Newport (RI)

Link: http://www.milspousenewport.org/Scholarships

Details: Spouses of RI active duty military personnel; graduating high school students that reside in or are attached to a base in the state of Rhode Island that are dependents of active duty, retired or deceased military personnel.


Parris Island (SC)

Contact: For more information on obtaining an application, contact pispousesclub@gmail.com.

Details: Open to military spouses and graduating seniors stationed locally to Parris Island.


Shaw Spouses Club (SC)

Link: https://www.shawspousesclub.com/scholarshipapplication.html

Details: Applications open Feb. 1, 2021


Fort Bliss Spouses’ Association (TX)

Link: https://thefbsa.org/scholarships

Details: FBSA scholarships are for spouses and children of active-duty, retired, and Gold Star families of ALL RANKS in and around the El Paso area as well as the spouses and children of GS civilian employees who are members of FBSA.


NATIONAL SPOUSE CLUBS

Just as there are local spouse clubs, similar organizations exist on the national level and yes, they want to support military spouse education too.

Navy Wives Clubs of America

Link: http://www.navywivesclubsofamerica.org/scholarships

Who’s eligible: Up to 30 scholarships awarded annually, with eligibility for spouses/dependents of the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps.

Keep a lookout for our 2021 Education Guide coming soon!

Read comments
Tags: Back to schoolfeaturedmilitary educationmilitary scholarships
Share48Tweet30SendSend
Bianca Strzalkowski

Bianca Strzalkowski

Bianca Strzalkowski is the managing editor of AmeriForce Media, publisher of Military Families and Reserve & National Guard magazines. In partnership with Military Influencer Conference, the company launched a new quarterly magazine focused on entrepreneurship, social impact, and careers for veterans and military spouses. She is experienced in news reporting, editing, and public relations. Her portfolio includes interviews with former Secretary of Defense Gen. James Mattis, then-UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, Shark Tank CEO Daymond John, and countless elected and military leaders. She uses storytelling to connect audiences with the lesser-told stories of the military community. Prior to her current position, Bianca was deputy director for Blue Star Families, where she worked as a liaison with the Obama Administration on career licensing efforts for military spouses. In 2011, Bianca was named Military Spouse of the Year and received a Certificate of Commendation from the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James Amos. Her husband recently-retired from the Marines and her daughter-in-law currently serves in the Air Force at Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany. Bianca holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and journalism. She resides near Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, where she serves as the public affairs officer for Maryland ESGR and is a member of the Military Reporters & Editors Association.

Related Posts

Military Families Magazine. AAFMA
Military Education

Education benefits prepare veterans for post-military success

1 month ago
Military Families Magazine. University of Cincinnati.
Military Benefits

GI Bill and online programs give airman recipe for success

2 months ago
Official portrait of Lt Gen Anthony Cotton. Military Families Magazine.
Military Relocation

New initiative addresses education concerns at Maxwell AFB

2 months ago
NYSID, Military Families Magazine.
Military Education

NYSID encourages students to design a career they’ll love

2 months ago
Martinez Corvias Scholarship Winner Military Families Magazine
Military Education

Corvias Foundation awards $100,000 in scholarships to military spouses

4 months ago
Folds of Honor Gold Star children educational needs Military Families Magazine
Military Education

Folds of Honor helps Gold Star children with educational needs

4 months ago

Discussion about this post

Ads

Military News, delivered to your inbox

Get a free copy of MILITARY FAMILIES delivered to your inbox each month

Let's connect!

ABOUT US

  • OUR STORY
  • OUR TEAM
  • MEET OUR WRITERS

MAGAZINE

  • GET PRINT
  • GET DIGITAL

GET RESOURCES

  • MONEY GUIDE

ADVERTISE

  • GET OUR MEDIA KIT
  • CFC PARTNERS
  • PRICING
  • PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

SUBMISSIONS

  • PITCH US
  • SUBMIT YOUR STORY
  • BOOK CLUB
Never miss out on the latest stories.
© 2020 Military Families by AmeriForce. Privacy Policy | Terms | Site by Swiss Commerce

Thank you for your interest in Military Families Magazine!

Thank you for your interest in Military Families Magazine!

Thank you for your interest in Military Families Magazine!

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Military Life
    • Deployment
    • Relocation
    • Military Spouses
    • Military Kids
  • Education
  • Career
    • Transition
    • Entrepreneur
    • Veterans
  • Health
  • Money
  • Travel
  • Get Resources
    • 2020 Military Money Guide
  • Giveaways

© 2020 Military Families by AmeriForce. Site by SCBW.