Scholarships give military moms opportunities for college and careers.
Military moms have a choice of scholarships provided by several different sources, the GI Bill among them. The sponsors of these scholarships include various U.S. military organizations, foundations and universities. Some scholarships are designated exclusively for military mothers, including single mothers, while others are also open to military men and children.
Post 9/11 GI Bill
Military moms with three full years of service in the United States Air Force, Army, Marines or Navy are eligible to receive educational benefits through the Post 9/11 GI Bill. As of 2011, the bill covered up to 100 percent of college or university tuition for military moms returning to school. The exact amount of the stipend depends on the location of the college or university. An entitlement of up to $1,000 to cover books and school supplies is available to military moms.
Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force Programs
Several organizations offer scholarship assistance to military moms in their capacity as spouses. For example, the Army Emergency Relief (AER) Spouse Education Assistance Program (EAP) applies to dependent spouses of active duty soldiers posted to Europe, Korea, Japan or Okinawa. An award of up to half the cost of tuition per term was available as of 2011.
The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) offers the Spouse Tuition Aid Program (STAP) to cover courses and training for vocational certificates, undergraduate and graduate studies. As of 2011, undergraduate and graduate scholarships ranged between $300 and $1,750 for spouses of active duty sailors or marines stationed outside the U.S.
Through the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS), the General George S. Brown Spouse Tuition Assistance Program (STAP) provides opportunities for spouses of active duty airmen or officers serving abroad to receive partial tuition assistance of 50 percent of course tuition or up to $1,500 annually as of 2011.
Legacy Society
Headquartered in Fort Lee, Virginia, the nonprofit U.S. Army Women's Foundation Legacy Society offers financial assistance for higher education to women serving in the army and their lineal descendants. Legacy Scholarships recognize merit, academic potential, community service and financial need. The awards are for community college and four-year university studies. As of 2011, the community college scholarship value was $1,000, awarded to a high school graduate with a minimum 2.5 GPA. The college scholarship value was $2,500 based on a 3.0 GPA.
Women's Memorial Foundation
The Women's Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program provides undergraduate and graduate scholarships for serving military women and veterans. The Sarah Marjorie Kelley Scholarship is for technical studies such as computer science, business and finance. This scholarship is especially for single parents who opt to return to school in order to gain better paying careers. It requires a minimum 3.25 GPA. The LTC Margaret L. Ellerman, USA, Ret., Scholarship applies to all fields of study. Scholarship applicants must be U.S. citizens and full- or part-time students pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree at an accredited university or college. Applications must include essays, transcripts and recommendations. As of 2011, both scholarships had a $500 value.
Grantham University
Grantham University is an online institution that specializes in providing educational opportunities to members of the military, including the Blue Star Flag Scholarship for undergraduate or graduate degree programs. The full, four-year scholarship covers tuition, books, software and fees. Applicants must be proficient in English. Applications must include transcripts or proof of high school graduation. Veterans can submit Form DD214 indicating high school graduation or the Military Statement of Service Form annotated by the personnel or administrative office. As of 2010, the scholarship value was $36,000. World War II veteran, Donald Grantham founded the university in 1951, to teach fellow veterans the necessary work skills for a better future in civilian life.
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