Category Archives: Scholarships

VA New Veterans Retraining Program for Unemployed Veterans 35-60

Posted on by vfwlady

Unemployed veterans between the ages of 35 and 60 years old can now obtain 12 months of government training assistance, thanks to the Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.

The Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin accepting applications on May 15, 2012 for veterans interested in going back to school!

Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DoL) are working together to roll out this new program on July 1, 2012.

The VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to Veterans who:

  • Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old
  • Are unemployed
  • Received an other than dishonorable discharge
  • Are not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)
  • Are not in receipt of VA compensation due to “unemployability”
  • Are not enrolled in a federal or state job training program

The program is limited to 45,000 participants during fiscal year 2012, and to 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants will receive a monthly payment equal to the full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month). DoL will offer employment assistance to every Veteran who participates or applies to the VRAP program.

Participants must be enrolled in a VA approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certificate, and train the Veteran for a high demand occupation.

VRAP will provide training for programs of education that lead to a high demand occupation, as determined by the Department of Labor. Click here to see a listing of high demand occupations.

The Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin accepting applications on May 15, 2012. To complete the application, you will need to know your direct deposit information (bank routing number and account number), the name and location of your school, the program you wish to pursue, and the applicable high demand occupation.

Ladies Auxiliary VFW $1000 Continuing Education Scholarship

Posted on by vfwlady

APPLICATION: VFW LADIES AUXILIARY CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

The Ladies Auxiliary VFW is pleased to present scholarships to assist members who wish to further their education by pursuing a college degree or a career direction at technical school. The spouse, daughter, and son of a member ONLY are also eligible to apply.

One scholarship will be presented each year to a selected candidate in each of the four Ladies Auxiliary VFW Conferences. Applicant must be 18 years of age or older. Qualifying member must have been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW for one year prior to application. Previous national winners are not eligible.

Complete this application in full and MAIL to Director of Programs, Ladies Auxiliary VFW National Headquarters, 406 W. 34th St. 10th Floor, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 so that it is received by February 15, 2012.

Applicant Name___________________________________________________

Relationship to Member_____________________________________________

Member Name____________________________________________________

Auxiliary Membership ID#___________________________________________

Auxiliary Name & Number____________________________________________

Date Member joined Auxiliary_________________________________________

Applicant Street Address_____________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code_________________________________________________

Telephone (____) _____________________Today’s Date___________________

This scholarship shall be used in the 2012-2013 academic year to further my education, and will be in the amount of $1,000. The scholarship will be paid directly to the American college or vocational/technical school of my choice.

Signature of Applicant_______________________________________________

On a separate sheet of paper please answer each of the questions below:

  1. Name of college, university or vocational school that you plan to attend?
  2. Course or major?  Have you been accepted?
  3. Adjusted Gross Income from the family’s Federal Income Tax return for the previous year?    How many dependents in household?
  4. What are your financial reasons for applying for this scholarship?
  5. Have you been awarded Financial Aid from any other sources?  Please specify.
  6. A brief essay (no more than 300 words) describing your commitment to your goals and how this scholarship will help you attain these goals.

Youth Patriotic Art $10,000 Scholarship Contest

Posted on by vfwlady

Officially known as the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest, this annual scholarship contest gives talented art students in grades 9-12 an opportunity to compete for up to $10,000 for college.  The 2012 Deadline for entries is fast approaching in March, so don’t miss out!

Sponsored solely by the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, this competition requires the fusion of artistic talent with patriotic vision.  Over the years, this competition has produced some amazing and thoughtful pieces, and the program itself is one of my personal favorites!

Entries must be submitted to your local VFW Ladies Auxiliary Youth Activities Chairman by March 1st. For more information, download the entry brochure here:

and don’t forget the “helpful hints” that guarantee the entry is submitted correctly:

Scholarship Opportunities from Veterans Organizations

Posted on by vfwlady

What child (or parent) can afford to pass these up?  Here are 9 scholarship opportunities offered to youth of all ages from various Veterans Organizations across the country.  Please share them with educators, parents, and students everywhere.

Most of these scholarship opportunities do not receive the national recognition they deserve because they are sponsored by non-profit veterans groups, and therefore not heavily publicized:

Patriotic Art Scholarship Contest:

Officially known as the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest, this annual scholarship contest gives talented art students in grades 9-12 an opportunity to compete for up to $10,000 for college.

Voice of Democracy:

The Voice of Democracy Program is open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories.

Patriots Pen Essay Contest:

The Patriot‘s Pen program is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories.

ASYMCA Youth Art and Essay Contest for Military Children:

The annual Armed Services Young Men’s Christian Association (ASYMCA) Art and Essay Contest is officially launched every November and is open to all eligible children of U.S. active duty or retired service members. Winners are chosen the following spring.

Heroes’ Legacy Scholarships:

The “Heroes’ Legacy Scholarships” program honors not only those who have fallen in battle, but all who have died or have become disabled through their active military service since September 11, 2001. The program is open to their dependent unmarried children under age 23.

A disability is defined as one that results in the service member being eligible for, and receiving, Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) or a permanent and total disability compensation rating of 100%.

The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest:

National High School Oratorical Contest Scholarship (9-12).  Scholarships are awarded to the three finalists. First place receives $18,000, second gets $16,000 and third takes $14,000.

AMVETS National Service Organization:

AMVETS annually awards scholarships to veterans, their sons, daughters or grandchildren. A son, daughter or grandchild of a deceased veteran is also eligible. Awarded on the basis of academic excellence and financial need, the scholarships go to deserving high school seniors, high school JROTC students and veterans pursuing a higher education. The following scholarships, funded by the National Service Foundation, are awarded annually:

The 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% VA rating) as the result of an operational mission or training accident, or who is currently certified as POW or MIA.  The applicant must also be a senior in high school, a high school graduate or enrolled in an institution of higher learning, including colleges, universities, or vocational schools.

Disabled American Veterans’ Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship:

*Scholarships can be awarded to any volunteer who is age 21 or younger and has volunteered for a minimum of 100 hours at a VA medical center during the previous calendar year. All volunteer hours must be credited to the Disabled American Veterans.

Veterans to Receive Housing Stipend for Online Classes

Posted on by vfwlady

 $673 Housing Stipend Now Available to Online Students

Effective October 1, 2011, the Post-9/11 GI Bill pays a housing stipend to students enrolled solely in online classes. The stipend is half the national average of BAH for an E–5 with dependents – $673.50 per month for 2011.

In addition, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 100% Coverage of Tuition and Fees.

Take the next step and find schools with VA Approved Programs – It is important to compare schools to find the one that best meets your specific needs.


Find Schools with VA Approved Programs

Specific questions?  Try GiBill.com

The VFW is scheduled to testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management to discuss persistent problems with accountability of G.I. Bill and military Tuition Assistance funds. VFW played a key role in passing the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill in 2008. However, since the benefit took effect in 2009, the VFW has learned of rampant impropriety among certain institutions of higher learning seeking to exploit veterans for financial gain.

Recently, the VFW sent letters to several key committees in the House and Senate, expressing concern over the issue and calling for regulatory action. Details on the hearing, including a link to a live video feed, will be available later this week on the VFW Capitol Hill blog, www.vfwonthehill.org.

Pictures for Patriots Contest Voting Begins June 20th on Facebook

Posted on by vfwlady

From May 25th through June 15th K-12 students nationwide were invited to enter the “Pictures for Patriots” Contest.  Sponsored by Operation Gratitude and True Religion Brand Jeans, the top 10 entries will be shared on Facebook beginning June 20th so that all of America can vote for their favorite picture.

•All 10 Finalists will be featured in the next Operation Gratitude Magazine (that will be sent in 100,000 care packages this year), and the entry receiving the most votes will be featured on the cover!

So here’s what we have to do, America:

  1. Visit the Operation Gratitude Facebook page on June 20 to see the Top 10 Finalists in their photo album.
  2. “Like” the Operation Gratitude Facebook page to vote for your favorite drawing between June 20 – July 3
  3. “Like” your Favorite Drawing; Each “Like” equals one vote
  4. The three drawings with the most “Likes” at 11:59 pm PDT on July 3 will be the Grand Prize Winners! The entry with the most votes will be placed on the cover of the next Operation Gratitude Magazine.  The top 3 winners will also receive  (3) $500 Donation to each Winner’s school and an iPod!

So get on Facebook and support this program!  Thank you, Operation Gratitude for finding this creative way to “Support Our Troops” and America’s Youth.

Summer Scholarship Showcase: Disabled American Veterans’ Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship

Posted on by vfwlady

The Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship Program encourages young volunteers to play active roles in the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) programs. It recognizes outstanding young volunteers who give of their time by awarding annual scholarships that may be used to continue their education. The Disabled American Veterans has awarded 123 scholarships worth $450,066 since the inception of the Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship Program in 2000.

    • Scholarships can be awarded to any volunteer who is age 21 or younger and has volunteered for a minimum of 100 hours at a VA medical center during the previous calendar year. All volunteer hours must be credited to the Disabled American Veterans.
    • Scholarships can be used at any accredited institution of higher learning; to include universities, colleges, community colleges, vocational schools, etc.
    • Scholarships must be utilized in full prior to the recipient attaining the age of 25, or within 6 years of receiving the scholarship, whichever is later.
    • Immediate family members of the DAV national organization are eligible to receive a scholarship.
    • Nominations for this award may be submitted by the Voluntary Service Program Manager at the VA medical center, DAV Department Commander, or the student may complete a self-nomination form which is available on-line. If you are submitting your own nomination, please include an essay discussing “What volunteering at a VA medical center means to you.” (Essay should be 750 words or less).
    • All nomination packets should include a nomination form, essay, and any supporting documentation which you would like to have considered by the Selection Committee.
  • Applications for the  Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship Program are typically accepted between September and February annually, at which time you can download the nomination form through their website here

Find more scholarships here

The “Summer Scholarship Showcase” is a month-long series of blogs (May 30, 2011-June 30, 2011) written by the vfwlady, Laurie Cox.  Each post is designed to promote a wide variety of annual grants and scholarship competitions available to K-12 students.  All scholarships featured are solely sponsored by a menagerie of  Not-For-Profit Veterans Support Groups and organizations.

Summer Scholarship Showcase: The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund

Posted on by vfwlady

Students are eligible if they are the dependent child of an active duty service member who was killed or permanently disabled (100% VA rating) as the result of an operational mission or training accident, or who is currently certified as POW or MIA.  The applicant must also be a senior in high school, a high school graduate or enrolled in an institution of higher learning, including colleges, universities, or vocational schools.

(See application form and scholarship rules below for complete eligibility details.)

Find more scholarships here

The “Summer Scholarship Showcase” is a month-long series of blogs (May 30, 2011-June 30, 2011) written by the vfwlady, Laurie Cox.  Each post is designed to promote a wide variety of annual grants and scholarship competitions available to K-12 students.  All scholarships featured are solely sponsored by a menagerie of  Not-For-Profit Veterans Support Groups and organizations.

Summer Scholarship Showcase: AMVETS National Service Organization (12)

Posted on by vfwlady

AMVETS annually awards scholarships to veterans, their sons, daughters or grandchildren. A son, daughter or grandchild of a deceased veteran is also eligible. Awarded on the basis of academic excellence and financial need, the scholarships go to deserving high school seniors, high school JROTC students and veterans pursuing a higher education. The following scholarships, funded by the National Service Foundation, are awarded annually:

Scholarship applications may be downloaded (see links above) or requested by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the National Programs Department. Completed applications sent to the National Programs Department must be postmarked no later than April 15. Winners will be notified and names will be listed at this link no later than mid-June. Due to the large number of entries (1,000-plus annually), only the winners will be notified.

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Find more scholarships here

The “Summer Scholarship Showcase” is a month-long series of blogs (May 30, 2011-June 30, 2011) written by the vfwlady, Laurie Cox.  Each post is designed to promote a wide variety of annual grants and scholarship competitions available to K-12 students.  All scholarships featured are solely sponsored by a menagerie of  Not-For-Profit Veterans Support Groups and organizations.

Summer Scholarship Showcase: The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest

Posted on by vfwlady

National High School Oratorical Contest Scholarship (9-12)

Scholarships are awarded to the three finalists. First place receives $18,000, second gets $16,000 and third takes $14,000.

Each individual state winner certified into and participating in the first round of the national contest receives a $1,500 scholarship.

Each first-round winner who advances but does not qualify for the finals receives an additional $1,500 scholarship.

Scholarships may be used to attend any college or university in the United States. Funding comes from The American Legion Life Insurance Fund.

In addition to the national organization’s scholarships, hundreds of scholarships are awarded to participants by posts, districts, counties and departments during earlier levels of competition.

Click here to learn more about the Oratorical Contest

See more scholarship opportunities here

The “Summer Scholarship Showcase” is a month-long series of blogs (May 30, 2011-June 30, 2011) written by the vfwlady, Laurie Cox.  Each post is designed to promote a wide variety of annual grants and scholarship competitions available to K-12 students.  All scholarships featured are solely sponsored by a menagerie of  Not-For-Profit Veterans Support Groups and organizations.