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Pursuing an education as a military spouse comes with unique challenges and sacrifices. Juggling deployments, relocations, and family responsibilities can make it difficult to focus on academic goals. However, there are scholarship opportunities available specifically for military spouses seeking to advance their careers or improve opportunities during periods of transition.
In this guide, we will explore some prominent scholarship programs supporting military spouses. We’ll cover eligibility requirements, award amounts, restrictions, and deadlines. With diligent research and strong applications, these funding sources can help motivated spouses achieve their educational dreams regardless of rank or branch affiliation.
Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts
Administered through MyCAA, these career development scholarships provide up to $4,000 of tuition assistance for military spouses pursuing certificates, licensures, or associate’s degrees. Approved fields align with highly transferable civilian occupations.
Eligibility: Spouses must be married to active duty members in pay grades E-1 to E-5, O-1 to O-2, or W-1 to W-2 from any U.S. military branch including the National Guard and Reserve. Spouse income can’t exceed $35,000 per year.
Award: Only public institutions, private tech schools, and nonprofit schools accredited by agencies recognized by the Department of Education are eligible for reimbursement after course completion. Funds do not roll over or extend beyond 3 years from initial activation.
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Application: Apply online through the MyCAA website. Track progress and receipts while school is in session. Provide official transcripts upon finishing each class.
National Military Family Association Scholarships
Established to provide opportunities to military families facing financial hardship due to service, these various scholarships target specific audiences including military spouses.
Eligibility: Dependent on individual scholarship criteria but generally requires proof of spouse military service and demonstrated needs. Undergraduate or graduate students accepted to accredited postsecondary schools qualify.
Award: Annual amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the specific fund awarded. Can pursue any field of study or certificate path increasing career mobility.
Application: Apply online, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Deadlines are usually in mid-November and late March. Decisions announced by April/May.
Institute of Higher Education Scholarships
Through partnerships with accredited education institutions, these scholarships help reduce costs for military spouses furthering their education online or on-campus.
Eligibility: The scholar must be a verified military spouse enrolled or accepted into covered associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or certificate programs offered by participating schools. Minimum GPA standards may apply.
Award: Vary based on affiliated school but include up to full tuition grants, textbook benefits, and reductions on fees. Multi-year support is possible for degree programs. Funds go directly to school billing.
Application: Work with admissions counselors at specific locations taking part to be considered for scholarship awards. Deadlines are set individually and may be ongoing. Program availability depends on affiliated schools.
With dedication to their education goals and assistance from these generous funding sources, military spouses can make significant academic progress despite the challenges of the military lifestyle. Scholarship requirements are designed with an understanding of the transient nature and burdens facing military families. Early application will maximize support options.
Other Potential Resources
Several regional or employer-affiliated scholarship organizations also provide grants to military spouses:
- Armed Forces Community Scholarships from AFCPE award $2,500 for accredited career training programs including certificate and online degree routes.
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Assistance Grants offer needs-based assistance from $500-$3,000 for degree support.
- Air Force Aid Society General Henry H. Arnold Education Grants supply $2,000 annually to spouses using GI Bill benefits or completing undergraduate work.
- Employer-supported tuition benefit programs at large firms like General Dynamics extend eligibility to working military spouse employees.
With research and persistence, military spouses can combine multiple funding sources toward achieving valuable career credentials or an advanced degree, overcoming distance and transition challenges through educational support.
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