EIU Military Student Assistance Center

NAVY/MARINE

NMCRS Gold Star Scholarship Programs: Offered to children (under age of 23) of a Sailor/Marine who died while serving on active duty or after retirement and un-remarried Navy and Marine Corps spouses of a service member who died while serving on active duty or after retirement.

Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy Centennial Scholarship Program: Available to combat wounded Sailors or Marines that served in Iraq or Afghanistan and are pursuing a degree leading to license and certification as a teacher.

Joseph A. McAlinden Divers Scholarship Program: Offered to Active duty Navy or Marine Corps qualified divers as well as the children (under the age of 23) and spouses of active duty or retired Navy or Marine Corps divers.

Other Resources: http://www.fra.org/

COAST GUARD

Coast Guard Exchange System Scholarship Program: Recognizing the value of education and the benefits it brings to the Coast Guard Family, the Coast Guard Exchange System (CGES) Scholarship Program was established to provide additional financial resources to dependent children of Coast Guard personnel embarking on undergraduate college/university studies. Annually a $1,500 scholarship is awarded to the outstanding applicant, $750 to the first runner- up, and $500 to the second runner-up. A scholarship is awarded on a one-time basis.

Other Resources: http://www.fra.org/

AIR FORCE

Pitsenbarger Awards: Provides a one-time grant of $400 to selected top active duty Guard and Reserve USAF enlisted personnel graduating from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) who plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree. The grants coincide with the CCAF graduation ceremonies held each spring and fall.

Lt Col Romeo and Josephine Bass Ferretti Scholarship: Is made possible by a bequest from the estate of Lt Col Romeo and Josephine Bass Ferretti and was established for minor dependents of Air Force active duty, Reserve or Air National Guard enlisted airmen pursuing an undergraduate degree in the area of science, technology, engineering or math (STEM). The recipients will be selected based upon high academic standards, good character and financial need.

Captain Jodi Callahan Memorial Scholarship: Provides financial assistance and recognition to an active duty Air Force full time guard or reserve (officer or enlisted) person who is pursuing a Master's degree in a non-technical field.

Spouse Scholarships: The Air Force Spouse Scholarship program is designed to encourage Air Force spouses worldwide to pursue associate/bachelor undergraduate or graduate/postgraduate degrees.

Federal Tuition Assistance: The Air National Guard can pay up to 100% of your college tuition and general fees, up to $4,500 per year —that’s up to $18,000 over four years. The amount is based on in-state public institution tuition rates, and can be applied to the other financial assistance programs listed below. In addition, many states also offer college funding such as State Tuition Waivers that reduce a percentage of the cost of tuition even more. Ask your recruiter about state tuition assistance.

Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): For Soldiers and officers who have an existing student loan obligation at the time of enlistment in the Air National Guard, the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) may pay up to $50,000 for certain jobs, with a six- or eight-year enlistment as a member of a unit. In addition, current Guard members who extend their enlistment contract for a minimum period of six years are also eligible for this program, provided they meet certain requirements, including being in a valid Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) . This incentive is also available to applicants entering Officer Candidate School (you must have at least 90 college credit hours and agree to an eight-year commitment).

ROTC

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships: ROTC is a college elective that allows you to earn a commission straight out of college as a second lieutenant in the Army. This leadership program also provides a way to help hold down the cost of college by offering two-, three- and four-year ROTC scholarships, as well as monthly allowances for some cadets. All ROTC scholarships require a service commitment. Your local recruiter or your school's military science department can furnish complete details.

ARMY

Legacy Scholarship: The Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarship program recognizes the importance of education and helping recipients to achieve their educational goals. The Legacy Scholarship program offers financial support toward community college coursework and undergraduate degrees to Army women and their lineal descendants.

Scholarships are based on merit, academic potential, community service and need. The Legacy Scholarships are available for tuition assistance at the community college level or four year academic institutions. Community College Legacy Scholarships are in the amount of $1,000. College/University Legacy Scholarships are in the amount of $2,500.

AUSA Scholarships

MILITARY DEPENDANTS

The Samsung American Legion Scholarship: Available to high school juniors who participate in and complete the Boys State or Girls State programs and are direct descendants (or legally adopted children) of wartime veterans eligible for American Legion membership. Students who qualify for and are interested in the Samsung Scholarship must submit a completed application to program staff upon their arrival to Boys State or Girls State.

Military Spouse Scholarships: The National Military Family Association recognizes the unique challenges today’s military spouses face in pursuing additional training or education. Frequent moves make it difficult to complete programs and establish a career. We are here to help ease the financial obstacles that accompany pursuing a higher education.

Scholarships for Military Children Program: For the 2022-23 academic year, a minimum of one $2000 scholarship will be awarded at every commissary location where qualified applications are received. More than one scholarship per commissary may be available based on response and funding. The scholarship provides for payment of tuition, books, lab fees and other related expenses.

Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship: The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors the Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship program to support the children of our warriors. These scholarships are awarded to 15 students annually who excel in academics and volunteer in their communities

Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund: The Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund is an umbrella that supports three separate scholarship opportunities for participants in American Legion Auxiliary programs. One is for American Legion Auxiliary Junior members; another is for the Honorary National Junior President; and one is for participants in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation program.

AMVETS National Scholarship Program (Entering College Freshmen): Must be used for full- time study at either an undergraduate college or university or an accredited technical/trade school leading to a certification or degree.

AMVETS National Scholarship Program (JROTC / $1,000): AMVETS offers the following one- year scholarship for graduating Junior ROTC (JROTC) cadets.

It must be used for full-time study at either an undergraduate college or university or an accredited technical/trade school leading to a certification or degree.

Heroes' Legacy Scholarships: The Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship program honors not only those who have fallen in battle, but all who have died or have become disabled through their active military service since September 11, 2001. The program is open to dependent unmarried children under age 23.

OTHER VETERAN SCHOLARSHIPS

American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship: One annually per Auxiliary geographic division in the amount of $1,000. Applicant must be a member of The American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion. Dues must have been paid for the two preceding years and for calendar year in which the application is made. The applicant may be pursuing training in a certified, trade, professional, or technical program, or a two-year or four- year degree program.

Illinois Patriot Education Fund: The mission of the IPEF is to raise scholarship funds on behalf of spouses and children of Illinois military service men and women who have given their lives or have become disabled while serving our country. We also further the educational dreams of those men and women currently serving in the Armed Forces, by providing financial assistance beyond what is offered by the Post-911 GI Bill.

CPT James Ahn Special Forces Memorial Scholarship: Captain James Ahn, a graduate of UC Riverside and the Claremont McKenna College Army ROTC program, died in 2015 during a parachute training operation while participating with his Special Forces unit in Washington State. In James' honor, we are sponsoring an annual scholarship of $1,000 to a Special Forces Veteran who is working towards the completion of a higher education degree.

Additional Resources

Vice Admiral E. P. Travers Loan Program: Available to children (under age of 23) of active duty and retired Sailors/Marines (including reservists serving on active duty over 90 days) and active duty Navy/Marine Corps spouses (residing within the United States).

Admiral Mike Boorda Loan Program: For those Sailors/Marines participating in the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) or the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECP).