*Please note: Application dates and award amounts may change. Check the websites for each scholarship for the most up-to-date information.  

General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant

Application Window: January through April 30

Description: 

This program, also known as the Hap Arnold Grant, is the centerpiece of the AFAS education support.  The application process for the Arnold Grant serves as a platform for other key education support opportunities at the Society, including the Merit Scholarship program, and Interest-free Supplemental loan program. 

The Hap Arnold grant is uniquely tailored to recognize the proper weighing of family income and education costs. 

Award amounts vary each year based on the number of applicants, total approved grant budget, applicant’s Student Aid Index (SAI) from FAFSA and cost of attendance at a college or university approved by the Department of Education.  The specific amount awarded correlates to a student’s particular level of financial need. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Children of U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force members in the following categories: 

  • Active Duty, Title 10 Reserve and Guard on extended active duty, and Title 32 Guard performing full-time active duty through December 1 of the academic year. 
  • Retired due to length of active duty service or disability. 
  • Retired AGR/Reserve with 20+ satisfactory service years creditable for retired pay and placed on the Air Force or Space Force Reserve Retired List (no other retired classifications are considered eligible). 
  • Deceased member who died while on active duty or in retired status. 

Children must not reach age 24 during the award year. 

  • Spouses of U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force members in the following categories:  
  • Active Duty, Title 10 Reserve and Guard on extended active duty, and Title 32 Guard performing full-time active duty through December 1 of the academic year. 
  • Surviving spouses of Air Force and Space Force members who died while on active duty or in retired status. 

Spouses must be legally married to the member (not separated or pending divorce) at the time of application and disbursement of award. 

All applicants must: 

  • Be a high school graduate enrolled or accepted as a full-time undergraduate student in the upcoming academic year. 
  • Be enrolled or accepted in an accredited college, university or vocational/trade school approved by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in federal aid programs. 
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and remain in good standing with the school. 
  • Not be a graduate or professional student. 
  • Not be a veteran or a member of the National Guard, Reserves or other military branch. 

 Air Force Association 

Deadline: Applications accepted between December 1 and April 30

Description: 

Through AFA scholarships, caring organizations and individuals help students pursue their dreams of higher education with generous scholarships, awards, and grants. These programs exemplify the lifelong bond of Airmen and the commitment of our supporting community.

Eligibility Requirements:

Colonel Aaron Burgstein Memorial Scholarship

This program was made possible by a bequest from Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Judith Burgstein in memory of their devoted son and AFA lifetime member, Colonel Aaron Burgstein. Family, friends, and colleagues have contributed additional funds.

The Colonel Aaron Burgstein Memorial Scholarship was established to aid minor dependents of (officer or enlisted) Active Duty, veteran, or retired service members; reservists; or National Guard members of all branches pursuing a degree at an accredited college or university. Priority is given to dependents whose parent or guardian served for eight or more years, who have had a parent die while serving on Active Duty, or who have a parent classified as a wounded warrior through the Air Force Wounded Warrior program. One scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded annually.

 
Captain Jodi Callahan Memorial Scholarship

The Captain Jodi Callahan Memorial Scholarship provides $1,000 in financial assistance and recognition to an Active Duty, full-time Guard, or Reserve (officer or enlisted) Airman pursuing a master's degree in a non-technical field.

 
Mike & Gail Donley Spouse Scholarships

The AFA Mike & Gail Donley Spouse Scholarship program awards two $2,500 scholarships annually to encourage Air Force spouses worldwide to pursue associate/bachelor undergraduate or graduate/postgraduate degrees.

 
Lt. Col. Romeo and Josephine Bass Ferretti Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible by a bequest from the estate of Lt. Col. Romeo and Josephine Bass Ferretti, and was established for minor dependents of Air Force Active Duty, Reserve, or Air National Guard enlisted Airmen pursuing an undergraduate STEM degree. A committee will award $5,000 to a student based upon several factors, including academics, character, and financial need.

 
Col. Loren J. and Mrs. Lawona R. Spencer Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible through a generous endowment from the Spencer estate. It provides $5,000 for Air Force personnel (officer or enlisted, Air Force civilian, full-time National Guard, and full-time Reserve) to pursue graduate-level education in management and administration fields in preparation for senior-level leadership roles.

 
John C. and Blanche Lee Lindsay Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was made possible by a bequest from Mrs. Elizabeth L. Lindsay, widow of Lt. Col. John Lindsay, in memory of their children John C. and Blanche Lee Lindsay who passed away before Lt. Col. and Mrs. Lindsay. One $2,500 scholarship will be awarded annually to a child of members of the United States Air Force who are pursuing a college degree.