National Guard Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Funding Your Education

Serving in the National Guard is a commitment that deserves recognition, and many scholarships are available to help National Guard members and their families achieve their educational goals. This article provides a comprehensive overview of various National Guard scholarships, eligibility requirements, and application processes.

Scholarships for National Guard Members and Their Families

Several organizations and programs offer scholarships specifically for National Guard members, their spouses, and children. These scholarships aim to reward the sacrifices made by Army families and help them become leaders in American society. They can significantly reduce the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

USAA Guardian Scholarship Fund

Established in 2011, the USAA Guardian Scholarship Fund provides college scholarships to the children of National Guardsmen who have been lost in service to our nation since 9/11. These heroes left behind more than 1,000 children, and this scholarship offers up to $6,250 annually to eligible recipients. If you know the child of a National Guardsman who was killed in the Global War on Terrorism and is attending or planning to attend college, they may be eligible for this scholarship.

The Van Hipp Heroes Scholarship Fund

Established in 2015, Van Hipp donates 100% of the proceeds from his book, "The New Terrorism: How to Fight It and Defeat It," to The Van Hipp Heroes Scholarship Fund. This scholarship supports National Guard members and their families pursuing higher education.

AFBA NGAUS Active Life Member Scholarship

The AFBA NGAUS Active Life Member Scholarship awards two $5,000 scholarships every July to Active Life members of NGAUS or their dependents. These scholarships are available for those seeking an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate degree.

NGAUS-CSU Scholarship

The NGAUS-CSU Scholarship is awarded annually to a current active annual or active life member of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). This scholarship helps members pursue their educational goals.

The Army Scholarship Foundation (ASF)

The Army Scholarship Foundation (ASF) awards one-year financial scholarships annually to qualified and deserving students. These scholarships reward Army families for the sacrifices soldiers make and help their spouses and children become leaders.

Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship

The Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship provides annual awards to Iowa National Guard members who attend eligible Iowa colleges and universities. The Iowa Adjutant General determines eligibility and award amounts annually.

Eligibility Criteria for Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship:

Iowa resident
Member of an Iowa Army or Air National Guard unit for each term the member receives benefits
Satisfactorily complete required Guard training
Maintain satisfactory performance of Guard duty
Apply for Federal Tuition Assistance for all courses (until the fiscal fund or credit cap is exhausted; Air Guard members not eligible for Federal Tuition Assistance are exempt)
Pursue a certificate, undergraduate degree, or STEM master’s degree at an eligible Iowa college or university (students with BA degrees are not eligible to pursue a second BA degree) and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

A qualified individual cannot receive an Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship award for more than 120 semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of undergraduate study, or 130 credit hours for an approved STEM major. The STEM master’s program is offered based on available funding.

Award Amount for Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship:

The statutory maximum is established annually by the Iowa Adjutant General. For the 2024-25 academic year, the maximum award has been set to $9,034 or the tuition rate charged to the recipient, whichever is lower.

Read also: Eligibility for National Awards

Required Applications for Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship:

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Federal Tuition Assistance
IFAA (Iowa Financial Aid Application)

Important Dates for Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship:

Oct. 1: Iowa Financial Aid Application and FAFSA are available.
July 1: Iowa Financial Aid Application and FAFSA fall priority deadline.
Dec. 1: Iowa Financial Aid Application and FAFSA spring priority deadline.

General Application Requirements

When applying for National Guard scholarships, you will typically need to provide various documents and information. Here's a general outline of what you might need:

Personal and Educational Information

Information about yourself, including your name, contact details, and background.
Details about your school, work, and volunteer activities.

Required Attachments

Parent or Spouse Proof of Service: Statement of Good Service for active duty or Form DD214 for veterans.
High School Transcript: Official record of your high school academic performance.
College Transcript: If applicable, provide your college transcript. Current college students with less than 30 credit hours must submit both high school and college transcripts.
Applicant Proof of Service: If the applicant has their own military service, provide a Statement of Good Service for active duty or Form DD214 for veterans.
IRS Form 1040: Pages 1 and 2 only. If more than four dependents, include a list of additional dependents.
FAFSA Submission Summary: Include FAFSA Form Answers and Student Aid Index (SAI).
Color Photograph: A recent photograph of yourself.
Essays: Be prepared to answer essay questions that may include:
- What are your values, and what do you think is important in life?
- Describe an event that affected you in some way.

Additional Considerations

Proof of Referral: If someone referred you to the National Guard, provide their first and last names, Department of Defense identification number (DoD ID #) for proof of service, and phone number if they want to receive status updates.
Consent for Communication: You may need to verify your mobile number and consent to being contacted by individual recruiters via text. Message frequency varies, and message and data rates may apply. You can text HELP for support or STOP to opt out. Review the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Privacy Act Notice: Be aware that the information you provide will be used strictly for recruiting purposes. The authority for collecting this information is Title 10, United States Code, Sections 503, 505, 508, and 12102, and EO 9397.

Tips for a Successful Application

Start Early: Begin your scholarship search and application process well in advance of deadlines.
Read Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the eligibility requirements, required documents, and essay prompts for each scholarship.
Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as transcripts, proof of service, and financial information, ahead of time.
Write Compelling Essays: Craft thoughtful and well-written essays that address the prompts and showcase your values, experiences, and goals.
Proofread Everything: Review your application materials carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting.
Seek Recommendations: If required, request letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or supervisors who can speak to your qualifications and character.
Meet Deadlines: Submit your application and all required documents by the specified deadlines.

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