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One way they do this is by awarding them with money for higher education. There are education programs and scholarships for both active military personnel and veterans.
The benefits aren’t only for those who serve in the military. Children of military members also make big sacrifices while their parent serves. They may have to move and change schools. They may live away from that parent for extended periods of time. This can be a big hardship. To help these children out, there are programs and scholarships which apply to them as well.
Government Programs
The government sponsors education programs to help military members pay for higher education. The most popular is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The benefits of the bill also extend to immediate family members.
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Check for scholarshipsIf military members don’t use all their benefits, they can transfer the unused benefits to their children. To be eligible, they must meet several criteria. This includes serving for six years and committing to an additional four years.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program
Another program is the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. This program provides up to 45 months of education benefits. To be eligible, children must be between the ages of 18-26. They also must be the child of a veteran who died or was left disabled from serving.
Marine GySgt John D. Fry Scholarship Program
Under the Fry Scholarship Program, students may receive full tuition coverage at state colleges. The program may also cover additional expenses, like room and board. To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 33. They must also be the child of a service member who died after September 10, 2001.
In additional to these government programs, veterans and their dependents may also be eligible for state-specific educational benefits. It’s best to check with your state to see what they offer.
Scholarships for Children of Veterans
Military Commanders Scholarship Fund
Children of active duty, reserve, National Guard or retired military members may apply. Applicants must be studying full-time and have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
MG James Ursano Scholarship Program
This scholarship program awards the children of Army personnel. Applicants must be at least 23-years-old and be pursuing an undergraduate degree. They must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant program
The Air Force Aid Society awards this scholarship to Air Force dependents. Scholarship amounts vary from $500-$4,000. Applicants must show financial need.
Children of Marines or Marine veterans who died after 9/11 may apply. Applicants must be studying in an undergraduate program, vocational, or technical school. They also must have at least a 2.0 GPA.
Tailhook Educational Foundation Scholarship Awards
John Cornelius/Max English Memorial Scholarship
Children of current and former members of the Marine Corps Tank Unit may apply. Applicants must be high school seniors, undergraduate or graduate students.
AMVETS National Scholarship Program
Children of veterans and active duty personnel are eligible to apply. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Women’s Army Corps Veterans’ Association Scholarship
Children and grandchildren of female Army personnel may apply. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5. They must plan to enroll full time in college.
Lt Col Romeo and Josephine Bass Ferretti Scholarship
This scholarship is for high school seniors who will be pursuing a STEM degree. Children of active duty or retired Air Force personnel may apply. The scholarship is for $2,500.
Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
Children of active and former U.S Navy personnel are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must be high school seniors or college students. They must also be single and under the age of 24. Students are awarded based on their academic achievement, extracurricular activities and community service.
Ankin Law Military Scholarship
Family members of the United States Armed Forces may apply to this scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university. The scholarship is for $1,000. To apply, students must write an essay and publish it on their blog.
Children of current and former Army service members may apply. The scholarship award ranges from $500-$2,000. Students must be pursuing their undergraduate degree.
Coast Guard Exchange (CGX) Scholarship Program
This scholarship awards $2,000 to children of Coast Guard personnel. Applicants must be starting an undergraduate degree in the fall.
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Children of current and past U.S. Marine personnel may apply. Applicants must be pursuing a degree and have a GPA of at least 2.0. They also must have a family income below $100,000.
Joseph A. Mcalinden Divers Scholarship Program
Children of an active or retired Sailor or Marine diver may apply. Applicants must be completing an advanced diver training or be studying Oceanography, Ocean Agriculture, or Aquaculture. The scholarship ranges from $500 to $3,000 per year.
Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund
Children of an active or former Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy may apply. Applicants must be pursuing an AA, AS, BA, or BS degree.
Children of US Navy personnel may apply for this scholarship. Applicants must show merit, community service, and involvement in extracurricular activities. 50 students win the scholarship every year.
Children of fallen service members may apply for a $23,400 scholarship. The scholarship covers an online degree at Columbia Southern University or Waldorf University.
Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship
Dependents of military personnel can apply for this scholarship. Fifteen students win $5,000 every year. Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate degree. They must show academic achievement and community involvement.
Children of service members may apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate degree. High school applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and college students must have at least a 2.5 GPA.
Dependent children of U.S. military service personnel may apply. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates who are starting a full-time undergraduate degree.
Chances of Winning
Military scholarships apply to a smaller number of applicants in comparison to more general scholarships. This increases an applicant’s chances of winning.
The most important thing to do if you hope to win a military scholarship is to follow all instructions. Scholarships will ask you to provide proof that you are a dependent of a veteran. Never lie on your application about your military affiliation or your accomplishments. The scholarship committee can find out the truth.
If you receive military education benefits from the government, you should still apply to scholarships. Scholarships can help cover extra costs toward tuition, room, and board. You’ll want to win as much money as you can to lower the high costs of pursuing your degree.
