January 2026 AFAS Insider Newsletter

Money for College – Scholarships Now Open

Students pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree for the 2026-2027 academic year can apply now for need-based financial support to help cover the cost of their education. Hap Arnold Education Grants are available to eligible spouses and children of Airmen and Guardians.

Award amounts are based on the applicant’s Student Aid Index (SAI) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and the cost of attendance for the chosen college or university.

In addition, these applicants can apply for additional funding through our Merit and Grit Scholarships, and our interest-free Supplemental Loan Program.

Applications are open through April 30, 2026. Learn more and apply: afas.org/haparnoldgrant

Spouses: Full CSU Scholarship Available

One eligible spouse of an Airman or Guardian will be selected to receive a full Columbia Southern University (CSU) scholarship, covering up to 60 credit hours toward an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree – all offered online.

Learn more and apply: afas.org/afas-csu-scholarship

Earn a GED at No Cost – New Education Opportunity

Spouses and dependent children who have not yet earned their high school diploma can now earn their GED at no cost.

Through our partnership with GEDWorks, this self-paced, online program provides comprehensive support to enrolled students, including:

• A dedicated academic advisor
• 24/7 online tutoring
• Study materials and coursework
• Practice tests
• GED exam vouchers

To get started, email . An AFAS Education Team will follow up with next steps and help guide students through the process.

How 270+ Airmen & Guardians Made it Home for the Holidays

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, more than 270 single Airmen and Guardians were able to travel home to their families for the holidays through our Home for the Holidays program.

By providing more than $300K in airfare grants, the program helped service members who could not afford to travel home spend meaningful time with loved ones during the holidays.

We extend a special thank you to the First Sergeants who partnered with us to promote this program and help make it such a success. Their leadership and advocacy made a real difference.

$500 Loan Credit for Completing Financial Education Course

Financial Lift-Off is a free, online financial education course developed in partnership with the USAA Educational Foundation. It delivers practical money-management skills through short, interactive modules.

What’s New: Active-duty, Guard, and Reserve Airmen and Guardians who complete the course and received an AFAS loan on or after May 1, 2025 may be eligible for a $500 loan credit (an increase from $250 in 2025).

This enhancement strengthens long-term financial readiness by pairing education with real financial relief for our military families.

Did You Know – Car Seat Support Increased to $200

Eligible service members can now receive a one-time payment of $200 to help purchase a car seat or booster seat for their dependent child (an increase from $150 in 2025).

The program has also expanded to include:

• Active-duty (E1-E5 ranks only)
• Active Guard Reserve (E1-E5 on 15+ day orders)
• Title 10/32 Guard/Reserve (E1-E5 on 15+ day orders)

This expansion reflects our continued commitment to child safety and to supporting more of our Airmen and Guardian families!

Supporting Organization Spotlight – Leidos

This month, we’re proud to recognize Leidos for their generous support and contributing to our mission.

As an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers, they’re dedicated to making the world safer, healthier, and more efficient through technology, engineering, and science.

We’re grateful for Leidos’ commitment to strengthening military families and supporting those who serve.