Grants and Scholarships

Although most scholarships available to the spouses of military personnel are limited to undergraduate study, there are a few programs that fund graduate and post-graduate study or can be used toward licensing or certification costs. Some of these scholarship programs are available to spouses of military personnel from all branches of the armed services, while others are limited to spouses connected with a particular service branch. The resources below reflect the scholarship and grant programs available for graduate and post graduate education and certification. For information on the education benefits available for all levels of study, for dependents of service members wounded or killed in action, or for cases of specific financial hardship, please visit the Salute our Spouses site and also contact the Education Office on your local installation.

Private Scholarships, Grants and Programs

American Association of University Women : The American Association of University Women offers scholarships for women. These scholarships are awarded to eligible women who meet the specific requirements of AAUW Branch and State offices.

Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association: The AFCEA Educational Foundation is offering 50 scholarships of $5,000 each to students actively pursuing an undergraduate degree, graduate degree or credential/licensure for the purpose of teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) subjects at a U.S. middle or secondary school.

National Military Family Association: The Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program recognizes the unique challenges today’s military spouses face pursuing additional training or education. Scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to help ease the financial obstacles that accompany pursuing a higher education. Scholarships are awarded in six categories:

• General (High School GED, English as a Second Language, Post-Secondary, Graduate)
• Licensing Fee
• Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math Degree (to include certain healthcare fields)
• Spouses of Fallen Service Members
• Spouses of Wounded Service Members
• Vocational or Technical Certification

Pat Tillman Foundation: The Pat Tillman Foundation offers Tillman Military Scholarships for service members and their dependents seeking assistance to pursue an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree as a full-time student at a public or private, 4-year U.S.-based accredited institution. Members of each class of Tillman Military Scholars represent a rich and diverse set of backgrounds, experiences and ambitions, and were selected based on strong leadership potential and a drive to make a positive impact on others through service. Selection criteria include:

• Educational and career ambitions
• Record of military service (or service as a spouse); motivation for serving
• Record of personal achievement
• Demonstration of service to others in the community
• Desire to continue to serve others and make a positive impact on your community
• Leadership potential
• Compelling, thoughtful, genuine and thorough essay question responses

Installation Specific Scholarships and Grants: Many Installations offer grants and scholarships through the Commissary, Spouse Clubs and the Local Thrift Stores. Criteria are unique to each installation, but many can be used toward graduate, post graduate and licensing costs.

Government and Military Education Programs

Post – 9/11 GI Bill Transferability: An eligible Service member may transfer up to the total months of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, or the entire 36 months if the member has used none. A military spouse:

• May start to use the benefit immediately.
• May use the benefit while the member remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty.
• Is not eligible for the monthly stipend or books and supplies stipend while the member is serving on active duty.
• Can use the benefit for up to 15 years after the service member’s last separation from active duty.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA): The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program financial assistance for military spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2 who are pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to employment in portable career fields. The program:

• Offers a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000.
• Requires military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course.
• Is limited to associate degrees, certification and licensing.

National Institute of Whole Health (NIWH): The National Institute of Whole Health is offering a $1,250 scholarship to all qualified MyCAA participants, towards their enrollment in an NIWH Whole Health curriculum.