What are scholarships for military dependents?
Scholarships for military dependents are financial aid awards specifically designed to support the educational pursuits of children and spouses of military personnel. These scholarships recognize the unique challenges faced by military families and aim to provide financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses.
Here’s an expanded categorized list of scholarships for military dependents, including the additional examples you provided:
1. Military-Affiliated Organizations
Many military-affiliated organizations offer scholarships specifically for military dependents. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, financial need, or the service member's branch of service or deployment status. Some examples include:
i. Fisher House Foundation - Scholarships for Military Children
Details: $2,000 scholarships for children of active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military personnel. Must be a dependent child of a veteran or active-duty service member with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need and community service involvement.
Application Period: Opens December 11, 2024, and closes February 12, 2025.
Website: Fisher House Foundation
ii. Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF)
Details: Need-based scholarships ranging from $500 to $20,000 per year for children of active duty, reserve, or veteran Marines, focusing on undergraduate and career technical education programs. Must be a dependent child of a Marine, Navy FMF Corpsman, or Chaplain assigned to the Marines.
Application Period: Typically opens in January and closes in March.
Website: Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
iii. Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
Details: Scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 for children or stepchildren of active duty members of the U.S. Navy Submarine Force. Awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Applicants must be high school seniors or current college students, demonstrate academic excellence (minimum 2.8 GPA), and show financial need.
Application Period: Opens in October and closes in March.
Website: Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
iv. Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund
Details: Scholarships for college-age children of U.S. military personnel who were killed or permanently disabled in combat or training accidents. Supports college education for children of U.S. military personnel who have been killed or permanently disabled in combat or training accidents.
Website: Freedom Alliance
v. ThanksUSA Scholarships
Details: Need-based scholarships for military spouses and dependent children pursuing post-secondary education, including vocational and technical training. Must be a spouse or dependent child of an enlisted service member (E-1 to E-9) or a warrant officer (W-1 to W-5).Open to spouses and dependent children of active duty military personnel. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence (minimum 2.0 GPA).
Application Period: Opens in March and closes in May.
Website: ThanksUSA
vi. The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation Scholarship
Details: Provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Scholarships for children of military members who have died in the line of duty.
Application Period: Rolling admissions.
Website: Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
vii. Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship
Details: Scholarships for dependents of Purple Heart recipients. Must be a child or grandchild of a Purple Heart recipient with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.
Application Period: Opens in January and closes in April.
Website: Military Order of the Purple Heart
2. State-Based Programs
Some states offer scholarship programs that can be used for private school tuition. These programs may be need-based or merit-based, and eligibility requirements can vary. You can find information about state-based scholarship programs by contacting your state's department of education.
i. Florida - The Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship Program
Details: Provides scholarships for K-12 students, including children of military families, to attend private schools or other educational options. Income eligibility requirements apply.Must be a Florida resident and meet specific income or disability criteria.
Application Period: Rolling admissions, but early application is recommended.
Website: Florida Department of Education
ii.. Arizona - The Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program
Details: Provides funds to eligible students, including children of military families, to pursue education outside the public school system. Funds can be used for private school tuition, homeschooling, and other approved educational expenses. Applicant must be Arizona residents who meet criteria such as special needs or attending a failing school.
Application Period: Rolling admissions, applications typically open in January.
Website: Arizona Department of Education
iii. Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP)
Details: Scholarships for students in Texas who commit to a four-year ROTC program and a four-year commitment to military service. Must be a high school senior with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a score of 1000 on the SAT or 20 on the ACT.
Application Period: Opens in January and closes in May.
Website: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
iv. North Carolina National Guard Tuition Assistance Program
Details: Provides tuition assistance to qualified members of the North Carolina National Guard and their dependents (spouses and children) pursuing post-secondary education at in-state public institutions. Assistance is based on available funding and eligibility criteria which may include service commitment and type of discharge from active duty service (if applicable).Applicant must be a member of the North Carolina National Guard or a dependent, enrolled in a North Carolina educational institution.
Application Period: Opens in July and closes in November for the fall semester.
Website: NC National Guard
v. Georgia Military Scholarship
Details: Provides full tuition scholarships to attend Georgia Military College for students who commit to serving in the Georgia Army National Guard upon graduation. Student must be a resident of Georgia and meet eligibility requirements set by Georgia Military College.
Application Period: Opens in October and closes in January.
Website: Georgia Military College
3. Private Scholarship Organizations
There are many private scholarship organizations that offer scholarships for students from all backgrounds, including military dependents. You can find information about private scholarship organizations by searching online or by contacting your local library or guidance counselor.
i. Folds of Honor Scholarship
Details: Scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per year for children of military members who have been killed or disabled in service. Must be a dependent child of a military service member who died or became disabled while on active duty.
Application Period: Opens February 1 and closes March 31.
Website: Folds of Honor
ii. Pat Tillman Foundation - Tillman Scholars
Details: Scholarships for active duty service members, veterans, and military spouses pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. Awards cover full cost of tuition and fees, living expenses, and educational stipends. Selects individuals who are committed to service after graduation.
Application Period: Opens in November and closes in February.
Website: Pat Tillman Foundation.
iii. Heroes’ Legacy Scholarships
Details: Scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 per year for children of military service members who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty since September 11, 2001. Sponsored by the Fisher House Foundation. Must be a dependent child of a service member who died or became permanently disabled in the line of duty since 9/11/2001. Selection based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.
Application Period: Opens December 15 and closes February 15.
Website: Heroes’ Legacy Scholarships
iv. The Mission Continues
Details: While primarily known for its fellowship program for post-9/11 veterans, this organization supports community-based service projects, which can also include educational pursuits for military dependents.
Application Period: Rolling admissions for fellowship programs.
Website: The Mission Continues
(The Mission Continues fellowship program is not a traditional scholarship and eligibility for educational funding is not guaranteed. Be sure to review their program details and eligibility criteria carefully.)
Tips for Finding Scholarships for Private School
1. Start Your Search Early
Beginning your scholarship search early increases your chances of finding and applying for scholarships that you are eligible for. It also allows you ample time to gather all necessary documents, write essays, and meet application deadlines.
Additional Tip: Create a timeline or calendar specifically for scholarship deadlines to keep track of important dates.
2. Meet All Eligibility Requirements
Carefully read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure you qualify. This includes academic requirements, extracurricular involvement, financial need, and sometimes specific demographic or personal characteristics.
Additional Tip: Make a checklist of the eligibility requirements for each scholarship to ensure you do not miss any details.
3. Apply for as Many Scholarships as Possible
Increasing the number of scholarships you apply for enhances your chances of receiving funding. Different scholarships have varied selection criteria, so applying broadly can improve your odds.
Additional Tip: Prioritize scholarships that you are highly qualified for but also include some "reach" scholarships that might have tougher competition.
4. Keep Track of Your Deadlines
Deadlines are crucial in the scholarship application process. Late submissions are typically not accepted, so it is vital to be organized and timely.
Additional Tip: Use digital tools like Google Calendar or project management apps to set reminders and alarms for each scholarship deadline.
Additional Questions and Answers
1. What are some common eligibility requirements for private school scholarships?
Answer:
Common requirements often include academic performance (GPA), financial need, community service, leadership qualities, letters of recommendation, and sometimes specific essays or personal statements.
2. Where can I find private school scholarships?
Answer:
Scholarships can be found through various sources including:
- School counselors and private school administrators
- Local community organizations and businesses
- National scholarship databases such as Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex
- Religious organizations if the private school has a religious affiliation
- Websites of private schools which list available scholarships and financial aid option
3. How can I make my scholarship application stand out?
Answer:
To make your application stand out:
- Write a compelling and personal essay that showcases your unique experiences and goals.
- Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders who can attest to your character and achievements.
- Highlight your involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership roles.
- Ensure your application is neat, error-free, and well-organized.
4. Are there specific scholarships for military dependents attending private schools?
Answer:
Yes, some scholarships are specifically tailored for military dependents attending private schools, such as:
- The Fisher House Foundation Scholarships for Military Children
- ThanksUSA Scholarships
- The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation Scholarship
5. What should I do if I miss a scholarship deadline?
Answer:
If you miss a deadline, it's usually not possible to apply for that scholarship for the current cycle. However:
- Check if the scholarship is offered annually and make a note to apply next year.
- Reach out to the scholarship provider to express your interest and ask if there are any late application opportunities or upcoming scholarships you can apply for.
Finding and applying for scholarships for private school can be a detailed and time-consuming process, but starting early, meeting all eligibility requirements, applying broadly, and staying organized with deadlines can significantly improve your chances of success. Utilize all available resources, from school counselors to online databases, to maximize your opportunities.