The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is currently accepting applications for its 2013-2014 Henry H. Arnold Educational Grant Program. These grants are for $2,000 per year, not a bad sum, and are based upon financial need. However, don't hesitate to apply because you are concerned that you won't have enough financial need. You never know who else is applying, and many grants are awarded each year. Plus, there is a scholarship program and a loan program, and you have to apply for the education grant in order to be eligible for the scholarships or loans.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
the dependent child of an active duty, Title 10 AGR/reserve on extended active duty orders, or a Title 32 AGR performing full-time, active duty service, and remaining on active duty through 1 December 2013, or
the dependent child of a retired active duty Air Force member, or
the dependent child of a retired AGR/reservist with 20+ qualifying years creditable for retirement pay, or
the dependent child of an Air Force member who died while on active duty or retired, or
the legally married spouse of an active duty Air Force member or Title 10 AGR/reserve on extended active duty orders, and remaining on active duty through 1 December 2013, or
the surviving spouse of an Air Force member who died while on active duty or retired.
The applicant must be a full-time, undergraduate student at an accredited college, university or vocational/trade school. A minimum 2.0 grade point average (out of 4.0) must be maintained. Full eligibility details can be found at the Education Grant eligibility page.
The application process for this grant is a little different from most, so be sure to follow the directions carefully. First, you go to the AFAS's website and register for the education portal. Then, you fill out the online, preliminary application. It requires information from both the applicant and sponsor, and documentation to support your eligibility. This portion must be completed no later than 8 March 2013.Once your eligibility has been verified, you will receive instructions for completing the rest of the application, which includes family financial information and grade verification. This portion must be completed no later than 15 April 2013.
Full application procedures can be found at the Education Grant application procedures webpage.
Bonus!
Freshman students who complete the application process will also be eligible to apply for the Air Force Aid Society's Merit Scholarship. This $5,000 scholarship does not factor financial need into its award. Eligible applicants will be contacted by the AFAS society to provide additional information for this program.
In addition, applicants who successfully complete the Grant application, and are dependents of regular active duty or retiree sponsors, will be eligible for an interest-free, $1,000 education loan.
If you are eligible, please be sure to apply for this great grant, and let me know if you are awarded through any of these programs!
