Scholarships For Air Force Enlisted Members Dependent Children and Air Force Sergeants Association Auxiliary Members

 

The Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) and the Airmen Memorial Foundation (AMF) joined together to conduct a scholarship program to financially assist the undergraduate studies of eligible, dependent children of the Total Air Force which includes Air Force Active Duty (AFAD), Air National Guard (ANG) , and Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) enlisted members in active duty, retired, or veteran status. Applications are screened and verified for eligibility prior to submission to the respective selection committee(s). The AFSA and AFSA International Auxiliary programs have membership requirements, but there are no association membership requirements for the AMF or CMSAF programs.

Applications for the upcoming academic year are available between November 1 and March 31. Completed application packages with all required documents can be sent to AFSA Headquarters between January 1 and March 31, incomplete packages or packages received after March 31 are ineligible for consideration.

AFSA, AMF (including the CMSAF Scholarship Program), and AFSA International Auxiliary award scholarships valued from $500 to $3,000 to students attending an accredited academic institution. The grant amount and total number of scholarships awarded are dependent upon funds available. To date, over $1.8 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded to Air Force dependent children.

In all three scholarship programs (AFSA, AMF and CMSAF), all contributions are used solely for educational purposes, and there are no administrative or other fees charged, in accordance with policies approved by each program's governing body. Each program is totally dependent on donor support and funds availability determines the number and amounts to be awarded each year.

The AFSA scholarships are funded by donations from AFSA members, the association's field activities, and memorials. The AMF scholarships are funded from contributions received through the annual Combined Federal Campaign (#10517) and other donations. The CMSAF scholarship program is funded by donations, memorials, and speaking honorariums.

Scholarships are awarded in each program based on the applicant's academic record, character, leadership skills, writing ability, versatility and potential for success. Financial need is not a consideration.

A committee comprised of Maryland, Virginia, and/or District of Columbia university faculty members reviews all applications. Students are ranked, and recommendations from this committee are presented to the scholarship selection committees for final determination. Those chosen to receive a scholarship are notified by mail. A check is mailed on September/October to the recipient's school of choice. The scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, room and board (on or off campus), books, supplies, meals, or transportation. The top award winner from each program will be requested to furnish a photograph for publicity purposes.

Individuals who are interested in assisting these deserving students may make a tax-deductible donation to the AFSA Scholarship Program, the AMF Scholarship Program or the CMSAF Scholarship Program. Contributions can be mailed to:

AFSA/CMSAF/AMF

ATTN: Brandon Alsobrooks

Scholastic Program Coordinator Scholarship Programs

SAF/AMF

Scholarship Programs

5211 Auth Rd,
Suitland, MD 20746

AFSA Scholarship Program

Begun in 1968 with one $1,000 scholarship, the program has developed into a key source of funding for AFSA and Auxiliary members' children attending institutions of higher learning. During its 38 years of giving, AFSA has awarded 492 scholarships to the AFSA members’ dependents. This has amounted to $674,100 in scholastic financial aid.

 

The AFSA Scholarship Program, open only to dependent youth of AFSA or AFSA Auxiliary members, is funded by donations from AFSA and AFSA Auxiliary members and field activities. AFSA's most prestigious awards are the Frank C. Fini, Hardy B. Abbott, Claude Klobus, and James Staton scholarships valued at $2,500 each. Last year there were five additional memorial scholarships, three valued at $2,000; Frank W. Garner, Richard D. Rousher, and Dr. Harry R. Page, and two valued at $1,500; The Excellence in Miitary Leadership Scholarship and The AFSA Americanism Award. AFSA also awarded three $1,500 academic excellence scholarships.

 

(Click HERE for a list of 2012 Scholarship Recipients)

CMSAF Scholarship Program

The Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force Scholarship Program (formerly the CMSAF Richard D. Kisling Scholarships) was created in 1987 upon the death of the third CMSAF "Dick" Kisling. In 1997, following the passing of Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force (Retired) Andrews and Harlow, the program was renamed.

Recipients are selected from among Air Force (AFAD, ANG, AFRC) enlisted members (active duty or retired status) dependent youth meeting the eligibility criteria and participating in the Airmen Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program.

The CMSAF Scholarships are granted in varying amounts. Funding is provided from contributions by individual Airmen, officer and enlisted, donated CMSAF (Retired) speaking honorariums, , and in particular, Senior NCO Academy, NCO Academies, Airman Leadership Schools, First Term Airmen Center classes, Air Force Sergeants Association Chapters, Chiefs and Top Three Groups, and a wide variety of other Air Force enlisted activities.

One unique aspect of the CMSAF Scholarship Program is the opportunity for an applicant to submit additional information he/she believes should be taken into consideration by the selection committee. Examples are: student disabilities, parent POW/MIA/KIA, extreme financial hardship, parent disabled and unemployed, or other similar extenuating circumstances. Applicants simply complete the "Additional Information" form included in the application.

The fund is governed by a committee appointed by the incumbent Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. CMSAF (Retired) Sam Parish serves as the CMSAF Scholarship Fund Committee Chairman. Since 1988, the CMSAF fund has awarded over $266,000 in scholarships.

 

(Click HERE for a list of 2012 Scholarship Recipients)

AMF Scholarships

The AMF Scholarship Program awards funds to the dependent youth of Air Force enlisted personnel who meet the eligibility criteria. Last year the AMF offered ten $1,000 scholarships, one $2,000 Richard Howard Scholarship as well as five $2,000 Memorial Scholarships in the names of Sharon Piccoli, and Julene Howard, Sgt. James R. Seal and the 55 SOS Merit 84 as well as one $1,000 Memorial Scholarship for Audrey Andrews. The AMF also awarded two $1,500 BMT, three $1,000 United Services Automobile Association, 12 additional $1,000 academic excellence scholarsips and six $1,000 scholarships for academic excellence. Since 1987, the AMF has awarded $577,000 in financial aid.

The AMF Scholarships are funded by contributions received through the annual Combined Federal Campaign, the AFSA Parade of Checks, and other donations. The AMF is CFC charity number 10517 in the annual campaign. Donations to the AMF Scholarship Program may also be made by sending a check to:

AMF Scholarship Program
5211 Auth Rd,
Suitland, MD 20746

The Foundation also administers the Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force (CMSAF) Scholarship Program as a community service.

Those interested in applying for any one of these scholarships can find more information by clicking on the Scholarship Eligibility Requirements and Scholarship Application links. One application is used for all three programs.

 

(Click HERE for a list of 2012 Scholarship Recipients)

AFSA International Auxiliary Education Grant (AEG) Program

The Air Force Sergeants Association International Auxiliary conducts a program to financially help AFSA Auxiliary members with a valid need of assistance to enhance their income potential through formal education and/or training. The AEG program is designed for AFSA Auxiliary members to obtain effective education and/or training to acquire improved marketable skills. Since 1990, the AFSA Auxiliary has awarded grants and scholarships totaling over $122,000.

Grants are awarded based upon available funds, but will not exceed $2,000 per person. Grant funds will be mailed to the applicant's school/educational institution with instructions for use. The monies may be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies, child care, meals and transportation in commuting to and from school. The funds are not transferable from one school to another at any time during the semester or term.

For additional information click on to the AFSA Auxiliary Education Grant Eligibility Requirements or AFSA Auxiliary Education Grant Application link.

 

Eligibility requirements for the AFSA International Auxiliary Education Grant (AEG) Program are as follows:

 

• Applicants must have been an AFSA Auxiliary member for at least one year at the time application is submitted and must continue as a member for two additional years after award is presented.
• Must be 19 years of age or older.
• The applicant must be able to demonstrate a financial need for assistance.
• Applicant must be accepted to an accredited institution.
• At the conclusion of the course, class or program, the applicant must receive a certificate, diploma or degree.
• The applicant must show that s/he is acquiring or enhancing marketable skills that will increase his or her economic security.

 

At the conclusion of all studies, the applicant must enter into or rejoin the work force.

 

Click Here to download the AFSA Auxiliary Education Grant Application.

 

Instructions For Completing The AFSA/CMSAF/AMF Scholarship Application

 

1. Complete sections A-H of scholarship application.

 

2. Sign and date application upon completion. DO NOT forget to include the last four numbers of your social security number (SSN) or your collegiate identification number; otherwise funds cannot be processed to the school.

 

3. Enclose ONE of the following (sponsor’s proof of service, copy of sponsor’s DD 214, copy of sponsor’s discharge papers). Include it with the application package. Do NOT send original documents because documents submitted will not be returned. Make sure you blackout the social security number on your sponsor’s military identification cards.

 

4. If applying as a high school graduate, include a valid record of your combined SAT I or ACT scores. This must be recorded on an official school transcript or sent directly from the testing facility

 

5. High school graduates and college transfer students must include a copy of the letter of acceptance to the college of their choice.

 

6. All applicants must include an official transcript of their grades. High school graduates must include all grades from 9th-12th grades. College students must include cumulative record(s) of grades while attending an undergraduate program. If applicant has transferred schools, transcript(s) from previous school(s) MUST be included. The unweighted (4.0 scale) cumulative GPA must be 3.5 or higher.

 

NOTE: If your school uses a weighted GPA scale it is the applicants responsibility to have the weighted GPA converted to a 4.0 unweighted GPA. Packets received with a weighted GPA will not be eligible.

 

7. All applicants must include a letter of recommendation. If the applicant is a high school graduate, the letter must be written by the school’s principal or a high school counselor. If the applicant is currently a college student, the letter must be written by a college professor, or if the applicant is a first year college student, the letter may be written by the applicant’s high school principal. The letter must be on official school stationary with an ORIGINAL signature.

 

8. The applicants must include a double-spaced, typed paragraph stating their life objectives, answering the question, “What do you plan to do with the education you receive?”

 

9. The applicant must include a typed, double-spaced on-page essay stating their opinion in answer to the question, “What is the most urgent problem facing society today?”

 

10. Include in the application package, a typed, double-spaced two-page essay about a current, controversial issue.

 

11. If applicable, include a completed “Additional Information” page, citing exceptional need for a scholarship.

 

12. Include two self-addressed, stamped, blank postcards. One will be sent to the applicant acknowledging receipt of package; the other will be sent notifying the applicant of non-selection. Persons selected for scholarships will be notified by mail and will be listed in the AFSA SERGEANTS magazine.

 

You must sign these instructions and attach it to your application. You can download these instructions and the required application (see below). AFTER JANUARY 1, mail the completed scholarship application package and all required materials to:

 

AFSA/CMSAF/AMF Scholarship Program

ATTN: Brandon Alsobrooks

Scholastic Program Coordinator Scholarship Programs

5211 Auth Road

Suitland, Maryland 20746

 

14. The completed application package must reach AFSA Headquarters no later than March 31, for the coming academic year.

 

15. If you have questions regarding the program or application process call AFSA Headquarters at 301 899-3500 Ext. 230 or 1-800-638-0594 Ext. 230.

 

Click HERE to download these instructions.

 

Click HERE to download the application.

 

Current as of: 2/4/2013

 

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