ThanksUSA Scholarship Program: Requirements and Opportunities for Military Families

Pursuing higher education can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially for military spouses and children. However, the financial implications can often present a significant barrier. Fortunately, resources like the ThanksUSA Scholarship Program exist to help alleviate these burdens for military families. ThanksUSA is a non-partisan, charitable organization dedicated to mobilizing Americans to express gratitude to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces by providing college, technical, and vocational school scholarships to their children and spouses

About ThanksUSA

Since its inception in 2006, ThanksUSA has awarded nearly 4,000 scholarships, totaling $12 million in value. The organization's commitment to supporting military families in their educational endeavors is unwavering.

Scholarship Details

ThanksUSA plans to award up to 500 scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support eligible spouses and dependent children in their pursuit of higher education. Several scholarships will be specifically designated for eligible spouses and dependent children through Kaplan University’s online program.

Award Amount

Each selected recipient will receive an award of $3,000 to be used for educational expenses. It's important to note that these awards are non-renewable. However, students are welcome to reapply in subsequent years if ThanksUSA continues to offer the same scholarship program.

Types of Scholarships Awarded

ThanksUSA offers three main types of scholarships:

Dependent Children Scholarships: These awards are intended for first-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school. It’s important to note that these scholarships are not applicable for non-degree licensure/certificate programs or graduate study.
Spouse Scholarships: Spouses can utilize these awards for a first-time undergraduate degree at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school. Additionally, spouses have the flexibility to use the award for non-degree licensure/certification programs, regardless of whether they have already completed an undergraduate degree. Examples include post-teaching degree credentials, nursing licenses obtained after degree completion, and ongoing real estate classes required to maintain licensure. Spouses have the option to attend full-time or part-time, with a minimum of 6 credits per term. Graduate degrees are not eligible for this scholarship.
Kaplan University Scholarships: In recognition of the sacrifices made by military families, Kaplan University offers several scholarships through ThanksUSA for eligible military dependents.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the ThanksUSA Scholarship, applicants must meet certain criteria:

Applicants must be military service personnel.
Applicants must have at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.00 scale or its equivalent on their relevant academic record. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to qualify for the Kaplan awards.
Dependent children must enroll full-time. Spouses may attend full-time or part-time.
Applicants should be planning to enroll in an undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university or vocational-technical school for the upcoming academic year.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship recipients are chosen based on a comprehensive evaluation of several factors:

Financial Need: Demonstrated financial need, as calculated by Scholarship America, is a crucial factor in the selection process.
Academic Record: A strong academic record is essential.
Demonstrated Leadership and Participation: Active involvement in school, church, and community activities is highly valued.
Statement of Goals: Applicants must articulate their educational and career aspirations in a compelling statement of goals.
Unusual Personal or Family Circumstances: Consideration is given to applicants facing unique challenges or hardships.

Preference is given to children or spouses of service personnel who were killed or injured during active duty.

The selection process is carried out by Scholarship America, ThanksUSA, and Kaplan University. The decisions made by the selection committee are final and not subject to appeal.

Application Process

Advanced preparation is key to making the scholarship application process easier and less stressful. While eligibility requirements can differ greatly, collecting important documents, such as academic transcripts and a valid military dependent ID, ahead of time will help streamline the process.

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As for the application process, here's a general outline:

The application usually is due in mid-May.
Prepare your academic transcripts to be submitted as part of your application.
Be ready to write a personal statement explaining why you are a suitable candidate for the scholarship. Make sure to focus on what you have achieved so far and how the scholarship will help you achieve your future goals.
Proof of your parent or spouse's military service is needed as well. This could take the form of your sponsor's Leave and Earnings Statement, a military ID, or VA documentation.

Tips for a Standout Application

To make your application more competitive, focus on showing your commitment to your chosen path of study and future career goals. When writing your essay, be honest and personal. Write about experiences that demonstrate your character, work ethic, or passion for your area of study. Showcase your academic achievements as well as your extra-curricular activities.

Additional Scholarship Resources for Military Families

Besides the ThanksUSA Scholarship Program, military families have access to a multitude of other resources to help finance their education. Here's a glimpse into some of these opportunities:

Air Force Aid Society General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program: This program offers grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 to eligible Air Force and Space Force dependents each year. Eligibility extends to dependents of active duty, Title 10 AGR/Reserve, Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty, retired, retired Reserve, and deceased Air Force or Space Force members. Spouses of active duty, Title 10 Reservists, Title 32 Guard performing full-time active duty, and widows/widowers are also eligible.
America’s Child: Established to provide college education and welfare assistance to the surviving children of military heroes who have already given their lives in patriotic service to their country fighting our nation’s war against terrorism as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and the Philippines, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or future conflicts.
American Legion Scholarship: Provides college funding to children of post-9/11 veterans who died on active duty or those who have a combined VA disability rating of 50% or greater.
American Logistics Association (ALA) Military Commanders' Scholarship Program: This program supports military members and dependent children of honorably discharged veterans at ASUS-served locations who are current high school seniors, graduates, or current undergraduates. The scholarship is intended for those planning to continue their education in college or vocational school programs in fields such as environmental science, technology, environmental engineering, biology, chemistry, medical sciences, mathematical sciences, business management, or acquisition and contract management. Seven annual awards in the amount of $10,000 are granted.
AMVETS Scholarships: AMVETS offers several scholarships for veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, and children/grandchildren of veterans and active-duty service members who are current high school seniors through its National Service Foundation (NSF).
AMVETS Children/Grandchildren Scholarships: This application is specific to graduating high school seniors (child or grandchild) of Honorably Served Veterans, Active Duty, and Guard/Reserves.
Anchor Endowed and Administered Scholarships: The Anchor Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to eligible family members (children and spouses) of active-duty, retired, and honorably discharged Surface Navy personnel. Sponsor qualification and time in command(s) vary. Funds may be used for tuition only at an accredited two (2), or four (4) year or Industry Certification program in the United States for first-time Associate's, Bachelor's, Graduate (spouse only) degrees, or Industry Certification (child dependent only). There are dozens of endowed and administered scholarships available, some of them renewable. Award amounts range from $2,500 to $20,000. Recipients will be selected based on four equally weighted criteria: academic performance, character, extracurricular, and financial need.
Armed Forces Crossroads Scholarships for Military Children: Offered to college-bound military children at installations served by a commissary. Eligibility extends to military ID card holders, including active-duty members, Reserve and Guard members, and retirees.
Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Scholarships: For college-level education of members of the AAAA, and the spouses, unmarried siblings, unmarried children, and unmarried grandchildren of current and deceased AAAA members.
Army Emergency Relief: Maj. General James Ursano Scholarship: The Program is for dependent children of Service Members on federal active duty, retired, or deceased while in active or retired status. Army. Learners enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs in nursing or nurse anesthesia may apply.
Army Scholarship Foundation: Awards one-year financial scholarships (not grants or loans) on an annual basis to qualified and deserving students based on academic record and participation in school and community activities. The amount of award ranges from $500 to $2000 for undergraduate studies at accredited educational/technical institutions. Scholarship recipients may apply to renew their scholarships annually for a total of four years of higher education. Renewal is not automatic but depends on academic performance and continued academic eligibility.
Army Women’s Foundation Scholarships: The program provides grants to women soldiers, past and present, and their lineal descendants to help them attain their educational goals. The AWF Legacy Scholarship Program offers financial support in four areas: Certificate Programs, Community College coursework, Undergraduate Degrees, and Graduate Degrees. Scholarships are awarded only for coursework from accredited institutions.
Brown Hudner Navy Scholarship Foundation: The Foundation aims to honor Navy Sailors by providing post-secondary scholarship support to their children. Applicants must be a child of a U.S. Navy Sailor; have a GPA of at least 2.0 (cumulative and unweighted on a 4.0 scale); have a family adjusted gross income less than the limit based on the annual Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy’s salary; and be planning to pursue a STEM or health science degree and attend an accredited undergraduate college or career training school in the upcoming academic year. Each scholarship recipient is eligible for four paid awards, and awards do not need to be awarded in consecutive years.
Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund: For qualified family members of Chief Petty Officers, including spouses and children (natural born, adopted, or stepchildren).
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation: Providing college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in combat or accidents. The vision is that every such child can have a debt-free college education.
Coast Guard Exchange System Scholarship Program: Scholarships to students who are dependents of Coast Guard active duty, reserve, and military retired members, current civilian NAF and APF employees, and current Coast Guard Auxiliarists that meet eligibility requirements.
Dolphin Scholarship Foundation: Grants are available, on a competitive basis, to high school or college children or stepchildren (unmarried, under age 24 at the time of the deadline) of: (1) members or former members of the Submarine Force who have qualified in submarines and have served in the Submarine Force for at least eight years; or of (2) Navy members who have served in submarine support activities (e.g., submarine bases, tenders, and rescue vessels) for a minimum of ten years.
Dr. Sydell Perlmutter Gold Memorial Scholarship (STEM): Scholarship will be awarded to daughters of Air Force members pursuing a bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Education, or Mathematics (STEM) field. Dependents may be of currently serving, retired, or deceased Air Force members.
DRS Guardian Scholarship Fund: The scholarship is open to any high school or college student who is a son or daughter of a Guardsman killed in an operational or training mission in support of operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, or New Dawn.
Fallen Heroes Children's Education Fund: This education fund will be used to provide funding for education accounts set up in the names of the children of Minnesota’s fallen soldiers. Eligible children are those surviving sons and daughters, including step-children, of fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the conflicts in Afghanistan or Iraq. There are no other qualifications necessary and no application process.
Fisher House Foundation Scholarship Programs: Open to sons and daughters of active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military commissary customers.
Folded Flag Scholarship: The Folded Flag Foundation offers scholarships to qualifying spouses of fallen heroes and their children. The College or Technical/Trade School Scholarship is for college-bound spouses and their children (this includes undergraduate degrees, graduate programs, and trade/vocational schools), and it covers tuition and fees, books, computers, living expenses (to include childcare for students with young children), tutoring, test preparation services, and career preparation expenses (internships, resume writing workshops, interview preparation training, etc.).
Folds of Honor Foundation (FHF): Provides post-secondary educational scholarships to the spouses and children of Service Members disabled or killed as a result of their military service to our great nation. Can be applied to schooling now or held by Folds of Honor on behalf of young children until needed at the time of enrollment.
Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund: Students are eligible if they are the dependent child of an active-duty Service Member who was killed or permanently disabled (100%) rating as the result of an operational mission or training accident, or who is currently certified as POW or MIA. Applicants may also be the dependent of military personnel who were awarded the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Air Force Cross, or the Coast Guard Cross.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship: The John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship) provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application. Must be a recipient of any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the time of application or during the time of study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.
Gold Star Mission Education Scholarship: The Gold Star Mission seeks to honor and support Gold Star Families by preserving the memory of our Fallen Heroes through service to others. The Gold Star Mission is proud to offer scholarships to ALL who are seeking higher education, whether it be an undergraduate degree, a certificate, or a trades/technical certification. To apply for a Gold Star Mission Educational Scholarship, applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or certificate granting institution (such as vocational school).
Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship: Open to dependent unmarried children under age 23 of active-duty personnel, Reserve/Guard OR those who have died or have become disabled through their active military service on or after September 11, 2001.
Huebner Scholarships: For children and grandchildren of former members of the Division as well as children of active-duty 1st Infantry Division Service Members. If your accredited school is less than the scholarship amount you will only receive up to your tuition cost.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant: Armed Forces and died as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001 may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. Enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death.
John A. Keller Scholarships - CWOA: The Chief Warrant Officer John A. Keller-CWOA Scholarship is available to dependents of members in good standing of the Chief Warrant Officers Association. You must be a high school senior or a current undergraduate student with a minimum “C” grade average to qualify for this award. You must also be a full-time student to be considered.
John C. and Blanche Lee Lindsay Memorial Scholarship (STEM): The scholarship was established for children of members of the United States Air Force who are pursuing a college degree. Parent or legal guardian of the applicant must be Active Duty, veteran, or retired service members, reservists, or National Guard members of the United States Air Force. A minimum of one scholarship in the amount of $2,500 will be awarded annually.
Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association: Helping deserving students reach their educational and professional goals for decades, presenting annual awards of up to $5,000 to individuals pursuing college and graduate degrees.
Lt. Col. Romeo and Josephine Bass Ferretti Scholarship (STEM): This Scholarship was established for minor dependents of active duty or retired Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and Space Force enlisted Airmen and Guardians. It is for students pursuing an undergraduate degree in the area of science, technology, engineering or math (STEM).
Marine Corps League Scholarship Program: Over three hundred scholarship grants are given annually to applicants. The foundation has started a blocked scholarship fund to build a trust to assist in the funding of its regular scholarship program. Marine Corps. Navy Corpsmen, Chaplains, or Religious Programs Specialists attached to a Marine unit may also qualify. Minimum 2.0 GPA.
Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship: The Purple Heart Scholarship Program is a competitive program.
American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students: This scholarship helps people who are part of The Legion Family pursue a college degree later in life or allow them to pick up where they left off when their studies were interrupted.
Pat Tillman Scholars: The Pat Tillman Foundation identifies remarkable military service members, veterans, and spouses, empowering them with academic scholarships, lifelong leadership development opportunities, and a diverse, global community of high-performing mentors and peers.
Sarah A. Bonnifield Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund: The Sarah A. Bonnifield Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund was established by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 500 to honor Sarah Bonnifield in perpetuity by providing financial support in the form of a scholarship each year to a Vietnam Veteran or a dependent or relative of a Vietnam Veteran.
VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship": The VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" provides service members and veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt.
Veterans United Foundation Scholarship: The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship creates opportunities for family members of service members and Veterans to achieve their educational dreams.
Veteran Scholarship: The Foundation was founded by Harold W.
AFCEA International Scholarships: Citizen currently enrolled and attending a four-year accredited college or university in the United States as a sophomore or junior at the time of application. Freshman and senior level students are ineligible to apply. You cannot apply the year you are graduating.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Educational Assistance Program: The NMCRS Education Assistance Program is designed to help eligible Navy and Marine Corps families pursue their academic goals by providing scholarships and interest-free loans.
Military Logistics/Supply Chain Management/Operational Management Scholarship: and beyond-we believe that educational quality for everyone is key in fostering a nationwide network of skilled professionals for years to come, from adults seeking continued education to those returning from active service.
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Scholarships: This college scholarship is open to volunteers age 21 or younger who have contributed a minimum of 100 hours credited through DAV or DAV Auxiliary.
Reserve Officers of America (Reserve Organization of America): Reserve Organization of America’s Outstanding Army Junior Officer.
Novosel Award for the ROA Outstanding Warrant Officer: Reserve Organization of America (ROA) and its Warrant Officer Award Committee are pleased to announce the competition for the CW4 Michael J. Novosel Award for ROA’s Outstanding Warrant Officer of the Year.

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