When it comes to scholarships, military families have a few more benefits than civilians. Several veterans’ organizations offer funding specifically to the children and spouses of military members.
Check out the following scholarships and apply before the deadline.
Marine Corps League:
Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student at either a four-year school or technical program. Spouses and children, including those of Marines killed in action are eligible. As an added bonus, recipients can renew their scholarships for subsequent years. Applications due July 1. http://www.mcleague.com
American Legion:
The American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization. As such, the group offers a large amount of financial aid to veterans and their families. While many of the awards focus on military children, such as the National High School Oratorical Contest and the Eagle Scout of the Year scholarship, spouses can apply for the Eight and Forty Lung and Respiratory Disease Nursing Scholarship. The program is intended to help registered nurses further their education to take on positions as supervisors, administrators and teachers. Scholarships are $3,000 each. Applications are due May 15, 2011. http://www.legion.org/scholarships
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation:
Spouses and children of Marines are awarded money from this foundation every year. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and meet income requirements. Money is also available to families of Marines who have died in combat since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. http://www.mcsf.org
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society:
The society offers both scholarships and no-interest loans for full-time undergraduate students, including family members. http://www.nmcrs.org/education.html
Military spouses may also find money for school closer to home. Many local, on-post spouse clubs offer their own scholarship programs. As spring marches to a close, so do the application deadlines for most annual scholarship drives. Get your application in now. When it comes to paying for college, every dollar helps!
