If your parent joined any sector of the defense forces, there may be funds awaiting you! When men and women fulfill their duty in the armed forces, they are entitled to a plethora of scholarships to help them transition to college and eventually the workforce. But their children deserve financial support as well considering that they were most likely exposed to emotional stress and certainty so here are 5 scholarships available to children whose parents served in the armed forces.
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ThanksUSA ? available to children aged 24 and under or spouses of active duty military personnel, the ThanksUSA scholarship program has awarded more than 3400 scholarships with a combined worth of over $10 million even since its inception in 2006. Applications for these need based technical, college and vocational school scholarships can be submitted each year via the ThanksUSA official website. Preference is given to children and spouses of military service members injured or killed during active duty.
G.I. Bill ? regarded as the number 1 financial aid option, the G.I. Bill in its most current iteration ? the Post G.I. Bill includes a special provision that allows service members to share their unused education benefits with immediate family members. Eligibility to transfer benefits is determined by the Department of Defense (DOD), and includes six years of service in the armed forces with a commitment to serve four more, or 10 years of active duty or Selected Reserve service in the armed forces or retirement eligible members willing to serve four more years. If you?re eligible, you may share your benefits with your children, spouse or any combination of the two.
AMVETS National Scholarship Program ? AMVETS offers a wide range of scholarships, but two specific scholarships for children and grandchildren of veterans and active duty members. Awarded on the basis of financial need and academic excellence, AMVETS scholarships go to deserving high school JROTC students, high school seniors and veterans pursuing a higher education. Six $4000 scholarships are available for high school seniors, and one $1000 scholarship for a JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) high school senior.
Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship ? awarded through the American Legion Auxiliary, these scholarships are available to 15 students annually who showcase academic excellence and volunteer in their communities. Eligible persons for this award include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of service members, and the awards range from $2,500 to $3,500.
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Army Scholarship Foundation: this charitable foundation was founded by a group of U.S. Army veterans in 2001 and has no affiliation with any private, civil or military organization of the U.S. Defense forces. It provides scholarships for undergraduate study for children of current and former members of the U.S. Army, and even spouses of active members of the armed forces. Criteria for the Army Foundation Scholarship include 24 years of age or under, at least a 2.0 GPA among other requirements.
Apart from the scholarships for military children mentioned above, other scholarship programs geared towards children include America?s Child, Legacy Scholarship Program and the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.
