Over 2,000 eligible college and university students are among this year’s recipients
WASHINGTON, September 23, 2019 – The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) awarded $5.6 million in General Henry “Hap” Arnold education grants and merit scholarships to 2,201 college and university students for the 2019-2020 academic year. This list included dependent spouses and children of active duty and retired Airmen.
Recipients will receive AFAS education grants and merit-based scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 to cover college tuition costs.
“We received a total of 2,754 applicants this year. We are honored to provide this level of educational support and offer a sense of financial relief for our Airmen and their families,” said AFAS Chief Operating Officer, retired Air Force Col. Linda Egentowich. “The grants and scholarships we provide have been essential to helping these students not only pursue their current educational goals but also launch their future careers.”
Each year, AFAS awards General “Hap” Arnold education grants based on financial need by taking into consideration an Air Force family’s income and the student’s educational costs. Some students receive “named grants” that are awarded in honor of individuals or organizations that have exemplified extraordinary service to the U.S. Air Force. For a full listing, visit named General Hap Arnold education grants.
However, only a select group are considered for the AFAS merit scholarships. To be considered, students have to first complete the Arnold education grant application. Because it is a merit-based award, only applicants with a 4.0 GPA are invited to apply for the achievement scholarships. Applications are evaluated based on cumulative GPA scores, high school transcripts and written essays. Each year, applicants are asked to submit written essays on a specific topic. This allows AFAS to gain a better understanding of the student based upon how well they understand the topic and defend their position.
This year students were asked to submit essays explaining “how they recovered from a mistake, challenge or disappointment and what they learned.” For a list of current scholarship recipients, visit AFAS Merit Scholarship Recipients 2019-2020.
“Education has been at the cornerstone of our organization since 1942, and we are honored to continue this tradition year after year for the spouses and dependents of so many deserving Airmen,” said AFAS CEO, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. John D. Hopper, Jr.
The parents and sponsors of students who applied for the General “Hap” Arnold education grants are also eligible to receive an additional $1,000, no-interest AFAS supplemental education loan for the upcoming academic year to cover incidental college expenses.
Since launching the education program, AFAS has awarded over $172 million in “Hap” Arnold education grants to 111,671 students and 258 merit scholarships totaling nearly $1.1 million. General Henry “Hap” Arnold education grant applications for the 2020-2021 academic year will be available beginning January 2020. For more information and eligibility requirements, visit www.afas.org.
About Air Force Aid Society
The Air Force Aid Society is a 4-star Charity Navigator rated private, nonprofit organization. Founded in 1942, the Air Force Aid Society’s mission is to help relieve financial distress of Air Force members and their families and assist them in achieving their educational goals, as well as improving their quality of life by providing proactive programs. In 2018 alone, the Air Force Aid Society provided over $21.4 million to more than 37,000 Airmen and their families through emergency assistance, educational and community programs. Headquartered in Arlington, Va., the Air Force Aid Society administers assistance through Airman and Family Readiness Centers around the world and maintains cross-servicing agreements with the Army Emergency Relief, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief, the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance and the American Red Cross to offer emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To learn more about the Air Force Aid Society, please visit www.afas.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.