Free money: Grant slated to give away thousands

  • Published
  • By Pacifica Chehy
  • Capital Flyer Staff Writer
The Airman and Family Readiness Center and the Air Force Aid Society announce the commencement of the annual General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program, a scholarship opportunity for military dependents that awards $2,000 to selected applicants. 

"The 'Hap Arnold Grant,' is one of the programs that the Air Force Aid Society is most proud of," said Kelly Stewart, AFRC community readiness consultant and base Air Force Aid Society officer. "This is one of the great programs that the AFAS offers that truly gives back to the community. Through this scholarship program, the AFAS offers sons, daughters, and spouses the opportunity to pursue an education. It's really an incredible program." Ms. Stewart added that last year, the AFAS awarded $7 million in college education grants to Air Force dependents. 

"We recommend everyone apply for this scholarship because the opportunities are endless," Ms. Stewart said. "Imagine, it's $2,000 that the AFAS is prepared to give to its applicants -- in today's economy, that's a lot of money." 

The new application process is relatively simple. "Just go to the website and fill out the application. The application literally takes just a few minutes to fill out -- it's that easy." 

The scholarship is offered to dependent sons and daughters of the following: active duty; Title 10 AGR/Reservists on extended active duty; Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty; retired; retired Reservists with 20 plus qualifying years of service; and deceased Air Force members. Further, spouses residing stateside of active duty and Title 10 AGR/Reservists on extended active duty; and surviving spouses of deceased members are also eligible candidates. 

For more information and applications, visit the AFAS web site at www.afas.org under the "Education and Arnold Grant" link. The application deadline for the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program is March 6, 2009. 

"The base community knows it's an excellent opportunity. It impacts so many lives. It's a wonderful legacy to have and be a part of," said Ms. Stewart.