Military spouses make tremendous sacrifices for their country. The stress of moving, deployments, new jobs and the constant unfamiliar faces can be overwhelming and exhausting. However, there are some hidden perks of the job that you may not know of or be taking advantage of; one of them being military spouse scholarships.
There are many different types of scholarships made available for military spouses pursuing an education by federal and state governments, individual military branches, and private organizations. Eligibility criteria may extend to all categories of military and veteran spouses and survivors, or to a specific group.
Where to Look
In Your Community
If your spouse is on active duty, try starting with on-base resources. For example, the Airman & Family Readiness Centers, Employment Readiness staff and Military and Family Support Centers can offer spouses a plethora of information, including employment, educational services, and scholarship information. These are great resources that are unfortunately underutilized by many military families.
The VA
The Veterans Benefits Administration offers a wide variety of services for military families including VA spouse school benefits for surviving spouses and spouses of permanently disabled veterans with a service-connected disability. Navigating VA benefits can be a challenge and there are both government and non-profit staff who can walk you through the process.
Military Spouse Clubs/Groups
Military spouse and Auxiliary clubs near base frequently offer scholarships for military spouses and dependents.
Your School’s Financial Aid Department
The university or college you are applying for or currently attending will guide you in your scholarship search. They may have specific military spouse school benefits and scholarships available or will be able to provide a list of general scholarships. Two things to keep in mind: remember you are more than a military spouse. You may qualify for a scholarship based on your ethnic background, area of study, income bracket, or your GPA. Second- you will need to fill out a FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid) for many options, including Pell Grants, through the financial aid office. Do not hesitate to ask for support while filling out this form.
MyCAA
The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) of the Department of Defense is an educational financing program designed for military spouses. The program offers a military spouse grant of up to $4,000 for spouses pursuing certifications or licenses for portable careers. Spouses of active duty service members, activated guard, and reserve members are welcome to apply for this grant.
Fastweb
Fastweb offers thousands of scholarships for students. You can target your searches with keywords such as your educational goals, achievements, interests, and military affiliation.
Here is a list of Non-Profits that have scholarships and in-kind support for military spouses and survivors
National Military Family Association (NMFA)
A non-profit that partners with schools and organizations to help spouses seeking scholarships, licenses, certificates, training, continuing education credits, exams, or help with fees.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
An advocacy organization for Veterans and all people with disabilities. They provide scholarships for PVA members and their immediate family members.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Auxiliary
This arm of the DAV provides tuition assistance for injured veterans and immediate family members for educational opportunities/certificate programs that are not traditional schools or universities.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
In addition to grief counseling services, this non-profit offers an Education Support Services department that has a scholarship guide and free coordinator help to make sure you receive all benefits and additional opportunities available to you.
Society of Military Spouses in Stem (SMSS)
A non-profit run by military spouses with the purpose of helping spouses interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. They provide mentors and connections to scholarships for spouses seeking to advance their career or begin in this exciting field.
Army Women’s Foundation
This association provides scholarships to women past and present in the military and their descendants. Many military spouses were active duty and made a career shift in response to family circumstances and/or their spouse’s career. This scholarship program may be the right fit for you.
The Rotary Foundation
This international organization provides educational scholarships to anyone outside of Rotary Club members and their families. Almost anywhere you are stationed, including internationally, you can find a Rotary Club.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Unmet Needs Program
This national non-profit provides many different forms of advocacy and support. The Unmet Needs Program is for military families experiencing financial difficulty. Their direct monetary assistance can help offset unforeseen expenses.
A Simple Google Search
Don’t forget to utilize the web for a quick and easy search for military spouse scholarships. Create a list of the scholarships and other useful information you find for quick reference later.
Help Applying
Many of the resources that guided you in your search towards finding a scholarship can also help you with the application process. Family and employment support offices on base, your school’s financial aid department, and military related non-profits all provide application support free of charge.
Websites such as Fastweb Scholarships Articles or Scholarships.com “Funding Your Education” provide informational articles and tips when applying for scholarships and financial aid.
Search Success
Applying for scholarships takes work and determination but they are worth every second! The key to getting a scholarship largely depends on the time you put into it. Whether it’s creating a winning essay or simply filling out a ten-page application, your time and effort may be well rewarded.
When it comes to applying for scholarships and financial aid take your time. Make a list of scholarships you are eligible for and knock them out one by one. Don’t be afraid to utilize help that is available for you. Getting a second eye or another opinion on your application is always helpful.
