Civil Air Patrol Scholarships: Requirements and Opportunities

Since its formation during the earliest days of World War II, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has been committed to service to America. Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed - in the air and on the ground. Civil Air Patrol and partnering organizations offer numerous academic, flight, and activity scholarships to deserving cadets. All cadets are highly encouraged to apply for as many scholarships as possible.

Civil Air Patrol Academic Scholarships are monetary awards used to support members pursuing their undergraduate or graduate education. Monies are to be used for tuition, books, or room and board at any post-secondary school (i.e: college, university, vocational-technical school, etc.). Scholarship recipients must ensure that the money is used responsibly.

General Eligibility and Application Process

To apply for Civil Air Patrol scholarships, one must generally:

Be a high school senior, high school graduate, or hold a GED and have been accepted to a college/school.
Not have been a previous recipient for the scholarship or program to which you are applying.

The application process is completed through the eServices online application module. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Click on the "menu" on the top left corner.
Click on "Cadet Programs".
Under Applications, click on "CAP CadetInvest".
On the next page click on the red-colored "CAP CadetInvest" dropdown over by the top left side.
Fill out each of the first five steps completely. Be sure to tick boxes for ALL the scholarships types or programs you would like to be considered for.
In the sixth step, "Supplemental" upload your Resume (if needed), Letter of Recommendation (LoR) (if needed), and additional required documents as applicable. Each document must be in PDF format. If you have multiple documents of the same type, combine them all into one document before upload. Each scholarship or financial assistance program has different document requirements. There is a 3 MB limit on file size, so we ask that you optimize your PDF to reduce it to the smallest size possible before uploading.
Go to the seventh step and submit the application prior to the published deadline.
You should receive a notification that the application is submitted.

Important notes regarding the application:

Read also: Learning Civil Procedure

CAP Grade: This item should auto-populate.
Resume: A resume (not longer than 2 pages) detailing any academic, community, or CAP activities not addressed on previous tabs of the application must be included. A statement about future goals should also be included.
Hanna Memorial Essay: This essay should be uploaded if you are applying for the Hanna scholarship.
Transcripts, test scores, and student certificates are not required at the time of application. CAP will request these documents only if you are selected to receive a scholarship or enroll in a program.

Specific Scholarship Examples and Requirements

While the general application process remains the same, specific scholarships may have additional requirements and deadlines. Here are a few examples:

Kenneth W.

This scholarship is for the Civil Air Patrol Pararescue & Survival Orientation Course (PJOC) and Advanced Pararescue & Survival Orientation Course (APJOC).

The deadline for this scholarship application is 31 December.
Should the recipient of the scholarship not be accepted to CAP-PJOC or he/she not be able to attend the course, the scholarship will be rescinded.

California Wing (CAWG) Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to current cadet members of the California Wing who demonstrate financial need.

It is envisioned that scholarships will be awarded to CAWG cadets who show a financial need that cannot be met at the squadron level.
Applications will be submitted by current CAWG cadets to their Squadron Commander describing, in writing, why there is a financial need for the funds, the amount being requested and for what purpose the funds will be used.
The cadet’s squadron commander will give an assessment, in writing, validating the financial need as outlined by the cadet.
Funds donated to the scholarship fund will be deposited by the CAWG, Civil Air Patrol.

Cadet Character and Leadership Foundation Scholarships

These scholarships are designed for financially under-resourced youth to develop their leadership skills.

The scholarships are designed to be used for time-tested leadership programs and activities, and the funds may be used for tuition, class materials, transportation, lodging, or meals.

PCR Colonel Edwin W. Lewis, Jr. Flight Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded yearly to one or more cadets in Pacific Region.

Applicants must be at least 15 years of age as of May 1 in order to apply.
Applications will be accepted until May 1 each year. Complete the application here.
The selection committee will be composed of the Region Commander or Vice Commander or his/her appointees and Colonel Lewis’s widow, Midge Lewis. They will review the applications and select the recipient or recipients.
Funds from this scholarship will be used only for initial aviation flight training and no other purpose.
The amount of the scholarship may vary every year depending on the interest earned and donations to the funds in the account.
Funds donated to the scholarship are deposited in a special account at the National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol, Maxwell AFB, Alabama.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit at least one but not more than three letters of recommendation written by someone who is familiar with the cadets' accomplishments in CAP.

Needs-Based Scholarships

Needs-based scholarships are available for cadets in the Florida counties of Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Captain John E.

Additional Financial Assistance Programs

Besides scholarships, CAP offers other forms of financial assistance, such as the Cadet Encampment Assistance Program (CEAP).

Cadet Encampment Assistance Program (CEAP)

Thanks to Air Force support, CAP has special funding available to cover encampment fees and uniforms with an emphasis on serving economically disadvantaged cadets.

Eligibility: Open the "Cadet Encampment Assistance Program" module in eServices. Answer the questions posed.
Applications open 1 March for spring and summer encampments and 1 November for winter encampments. Applications close 20-30 days before the start of encampment.
Remember to apply to attend encampment. The online module is the application for financial assistance, but you still need to register for encampment itself, if you haven't already.
You will hear back from NHQ regarding your status within 10 days of the commander's approval.
If granted assistance with encampment fees, NHQ will send those funds directly to the encampment on your behalf.
Cadets are welcome to apply for assistance to return to encampment, but should be aware that they will be placed on a wait list and the acceptance rate for returning cadets is low. Applications for cadets returning to encampment will be processed after all first-time applicants have been served.
Cadets may wish to investigate other financial assistance options such as squadron, group, wing, or region scholarships.
If you can't attend your local wing's encampment, check out the upcoming encampments on the encampment home page and think about applying for an encampment in a nearby state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am selected? CAP will notify you if you are selected for a scholarship or program.
Does an IB (International Baccalaureate) course count as an AP (Advanced Placement) course? This information may vary depending on the specific scholarship requirements. Contact the scholarship provider for clarification.

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