Veteran Scholarship and Grant Tips
Active-duty and veteran scholarship and grant applications are available to compensate and reward those who served our country and want to further their education.
Tuition and Other Financial Assistance for Veterans
Through veteran scholarships and grants, men and women who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, or Coast Guard can be eligible for financial assistance. Some scholarships are also available to family members of veterans or active service members.
The Mesothelioma Scholarship Initiative
Although most mesothelioma cases affect people well over the standard student age, the importance of awareness still rings true for young people. Generations of students have risked asbestos exposure in schools, homes, or at work. Mesothelioma awareness helps the public complete early detection screenings and practice more caution when coming into contact with asbestos.
Mesothelioma Hub is proud to provide a scholarship program in which one student currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college, university, or trade school in the United States can receive $1,000 towards their tuition.
Applicants must explore the topic of mesothelioma and asbestos and write an 800-1500 word essay that promotes awareness of asbestos-related conditions. The essay can alternatively discuss relevant information about mesothelioma causes, potential risk factors, treatments, clinical trials, or emerging research. Students are encouraged to highlight personal experiences related to asbestos or mesothelioma.
Interested students can view the scholarship requirements here. The deadline for submission is December 31, 2021. The winner will be announced on January 31, 2022.
My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program
The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program funding of $4,000 is available to eligible active-duty military spouses to assist with costs related to licenses, certifications, national tests, or associate degrees that will help to pursue an occupation or career field.
Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) teamed up with Sports Clip to provide service members and veterans with scholarships up to $5,000 awarded towards educational goals. Eligible United States citizens who demonstrate the need for financial assistance must be a veteran, active duty, or a member of the National Guard or Reserve. Must be accepted or currently enrolled in a VA-approved program or school at an accredited post-secondary institution.
Unmet Needs Grant Program
The Unmet Needs Grand Program is available to provide financial aid grants of up to $1,500 to assist with basic life needs. The grant assistance may cover household expenses like mortgage, rent, repairs, insurance, vehicle expenses, utilities, food, clothing, children’s expenses, medical bills, prescriptions, and eyeglasses.
AFAS General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program
The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program is a $4,000 scholarship offered to Air Force dependents or spouses of Active Duty, title 10 AGR/Reserve, Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty, Retired, Retired Reserved, and deceased Air Force members.
Anchor Scholarship Foundation
The Anchor Scholarship Foundation is one of many navy scholarships available to eligible family members of active duty, retired, or honorably discharged Surface Navy personnel. The scholarship covers tuition and tuition-related expenses to students based on academic performance, character, extracurricular activities, and financial needs.
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is a $10,000 marine corps scholarship available to a child of an active duty or reserve U.S. Marine, a veteran U.S. Marine who received an honorable discharge, or who was killed while serving in the Marine Corps.
Montgomery G.I. Bill
The Montgomery G.I. Bill offers those enlisted in the U.S. military a monthly stipend while they are attending classes at a qualified training institution. Active-duty members who served at least two years may qualify for the award.
U.S. Army Loan Repayment Program
The U.S. Army Loan Repayment Program is one of many Army scholarships available to qualified applicants. The program gives an incentive of up to $20,000 towards loan repayment to soldiers entering the Army.
Tips for Active-Duty and Veteran Scholarship and Grant Applications
A veteran scholarship and grant application can be overwhelming with requirements and deadlines. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help veterans and their loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.
1. Give yourself enough time to meet veteran scholarship and grant application deadlines
Keep your scholarship deadlines organized by using a calendar or planner. Deadlines are not typically flexible, so stick to a schedule that you can follow. Starting sooner rather than later can give you plenty of time to gather materials such as references and proof of enrollment for each application.
2. Apply for as many as you can, even if the reward is small
Don’t let a small scholarship award deter you from applying. Smaller awards add up and typically have less competition and requirements.
3. Take essays seriously
Many students rely on scholarships to get them through school. Since the stakes are high, writing a good essay will give you the best chance of winning a scholarship. Think carefully about the topic of the essay, and don’t be afraid to ask for help with editing. Most schools have learning centers that offer free writing tutoring.
4. Make it personal
Decision-makers like applicants who can show who they are through their applications. Scholarships are opportunities to brag about what you do in your time, recognition and awards you’ve received, and the talents and passions you possess. Try to include how you can demonstrate your ability to take initiative, be a leader in your community, and persist through adversity. Demonstrate these qualities through employment or family responsibilities.
5. Apply to as many scholarships as you can
Scholarship and grant opportunities are highly competitive. However, there are so many opportunities out there that the chances are in your favor of receiving one. Another good tip to consider is to save copies of your applications so you don’t have to start over each time.