Scholarships for Military Children: Applications Open for 2024-2025 Academic Year
Are you part of the military family community searching for educational opportunities? The Scholarships for Military Children program is now open for applications for the 2024-2025 academic year! This initiative is a significant offering from the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) and Fisher House Foundation, showcasing their commitment to supporting military families’ educational aspirations.
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About the Scholarships for Military Children Program
Since its inception in 2001, the Scholarships for Military Children program, a collaboration between DeCA and the Fisher House Foundation, has been instrumental in supporting military families. The Fisher House Foundation, renowned for providing military and Veteran families with comfortable accommodations near medical centers, extends its support through these scholarships. This initiative is a tribute to the sacrifices of military families and highlights the importance of commissaries in improving the lives of military personnel.
Todd Heasley, DeCA’s scholarships program liaison, emphasizes the organization’s pride and joy in partnering with a foundation so devoted to military communities. This partnership reflects a deep commitment to the success of military children.
Over 23 years, the program has processed over 117,500 applications, awarding upwards of $23 million in scholarships. These scholarships are funded by contributions from commissary business partners and donations specifically for the Fisher House Scholarships.
Ken Fisher, the chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation, appreciates the Defense Commissary Agency’s significant role in providing these scholarships, highlighting the importance of supporting the children of armed service members.
Who Can Apply?
The foundation outlines specific eligibility criteria for prospective applicants:
- Unmarried military dependents under 23 years old
- Valid Uniformed Services ID cardholders
- Dependents of active duty, guard/reserve, deceased, or retired personnel from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force
- Enrolled or planning to enroll full-time for fall 2024 in a U.S.-accredited undergraduate program or a two-year program transferring into a four-year course
- Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 (high school students) or 2.5 (college students) on a 4.0 scale
Application Process and Deadline
For the upcoming academic year, the program will award 500 scholarships, each valued at $2,000. The application deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST. Scholarship Managers, an independent organization, oversees the application and selection process. At least one recipient per commissary location with qualified applicants will be chosen, with additional selections based on applicant numbers from each location.
Required application materials include a completed application form, a 500-word essay on a specified topic, and proof of eligibility, such as transcripts and enrollment in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database.
For detailed information on program rules, visit militaryscholar.org.
Spread the Word
If you know a military child who meets these eligibility requirements, encourage them to explore this fantastic opportunity at militaryscholar.org before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Scholarships for Military Children Program?
A collaborative initiative between Fisher House Foundation and DeCA, offering financial aid to eligible military children for higher education.
How are the scholarship recipients chosen?
Scholarship Managers independently manage the selection, ensuring fair and proportionate distribution of awards across commissaries.
What makes this scholarship program unique?
It specifically caters to the needs of military families, acknowledging their contributions and offering support in their educational endeavors.
Who funds the Scholarships for Military Children?
The scholarships are funded by contributions from commissary business partners and donations to the Fisher House Foundation specifically for this program.
