Air Force Aid Society grant, scholarship program

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HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Air Force Aid Society is now accepting applications for education grants and scholarships. A single online application opens the door to three programs, and Airman and Family Readiness Center officials encourage all eligible to apply.

The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant, Merit Scholarships and Supplemental Education Loan Program are available to Air Force dependent children and spouses.

“It is important that all eligible dependents at Hanscom Air Force Base not opt out simply because they believe rank or income disqualifies them from receiving these grants and scholarships,” said Kathleen Vaillancourt, AFRC community readiness consultant.

Vaillancourt points out that of the 2,332 grants and scholarships awarded last year by AFAS, many were awarded to dependents of senior NCOs and lieutenant colonels and above, who typically have college-aged children.

The centerpiece and gateway to the AFAS education programs is the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant. It offers need-based grants that range from $500 to $4,000 to dependent children of active, retired and deceased Air Force members. Active duty includes Title 10 Reserve on extended active duty and Title 32 Guard performing full-time active duty. Spouses of active-duty members and surviving spouses of deceased active or retired members are also eligible.

All program applicants must be a high school graduate enrolled or accepted as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university during the 2017-2018 academic year, and are required to maintain a minimum 2.0 grade-point average.

Ten $5,000 Merit Scholarships are available to incoming college freshmen who have completed both parts of the Arnold Education Grant application. Cumulative grade point average, transcripts and an essay on a specified topic will determine selection. Winners will be announced in July 2017, with funds disbursed directly to their respective schools in early August 2017.

The Supplemental Education Loan Program is available to those students who do not have sufficient financial need to receive the Arnold Grant; however, completing the grant application determines eligibility to secure an interest-free loan. Sponsoring members may request up to $1,000 per eligible student to help reimburse out-of-pocket education expenses.

This loan is open to dependents of active duty or Air National Guard and Reserve members on Title 10 extended active duty. It is also open to dependents of Title 32 members performing full time active duty, regular retired and retired Reserve with more than 20 years of creditable service.

The program has an average selection rate of more than 70 percent of those eligible. For those with a validated financial need, the Supplemental loan program has an average selection rate of 100 percent.

The deadline for applications is March 10, 2017; however, Vaillancourt encourages students to apply early.

For more information on these programs, and to access the application, visit the AFAS website at http://www.afas.org/education-grants.

(Information courtesy of the Air Force Aid Society)