Scholarship applications now available to military dependants

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kirsten Wicker
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Several base organizations have scholarship money available for military dependants to assist with the cost of their college education.

The commissary, Tyndall Officers Spouses Club, Balfour Beatty and the Air Force Aid Society have opened their 2011 application windows for military dependants to apply for the financial aid.

According to the Defense Commissary Agency, the Scholarship for Military Children program was created in recognition of the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community.

"Children and spouses of active duty, Reserve, Guard or retired may apply," said Jo Smith, Tyndall Commissary personnel liaison. "Scholarships will be based on funds available and depends on the vendor company sponsoring the scholarship, but we expect individual awards of at least $1,500."

Applications must be submitted to the commissary no later than Feb. 22. Transcripts are required with the application. More information on completing the application can be found at http://www.deca.org/.

"The applications must be delivered in person to the commissary to be considered," Smith said.

The Tyndall Officers Spouses Club is offering the Tyndall OSC 2011 scholarship opportunity to military dependants.

"This is something we strive to raise funds for every year," said Mrs. Joyce Paul, TOSC scholarship chairperson. "We offer one for graduating high school seniors who are children of a military member and one for spouses of a military member."

The scholarships total up to $13,000 in combined funds, she added.

Students can pick up an application from their high school, the base thrift shop, Bldg. 745, or the base education center, Bldg. 1230. Spouses can pick up an application from the base thrift shop or base education center. Both applications are due Feb. 28 and can be mailed to the address on the application, or scanned and e-mailed to TOSCscholarships@gmail.com.

In addition to the commissary and the Tyndall OSC, Balfour Beatty also offers a scholarship to dependants.

According to a Balfour Beatty Communities announcement, the BCC Foundation is now accepting academic scholarship applications for the 2011-2012 academic year to reward high school and undergraduate students of military members residing in family housing in need of financial assistance.

"High school seniors or undergraduate students of active duty servicemembers on any installation where Balfour Beatty is responsible for housing and are a current resident of that housing are encouraged to apply," said Samantha Hilton, LifeWorks coordinator for Balfour Beatty Communities. "Scholarships for the 2011-2012 academic year are valued between $1,000 to $2,500 and the money goes directly to the school."

Student must be enrolled at an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, she added.

The application, details and requirements can be found at www.bbcommunitiesfoundation.org. The application deadline is April 15.

Individuals who qualify may also apply for the 2011-2012 Air Force Aid Society General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program. The grants may be worth up to $2,000. For eligibility requirement information and application procedures, go to www.afas.org.