Paying It Forward: National AAFES Retired Employees Association (AREA) Scholarship Program

For 40 years now, the National AAFES Retired Exchange Association (AREA) has made a considerable impact by investing in the futures of deserving students. Since its inception in 1985, the AREA scholarship program has provided over $1,000,000 in scholarship funds to over 430 students.

This year we have a few exciting changes!

This year’s awards include two $5,000 scholarships, ten $3,000 scholarships, and NEW this year, an additional three $1000 scholarships for deserving Trade School applicants for a total of $43000, with the potential for additional awards based on the number and quality of applications received.

Continuing the AREA tradition of giving with a commitment to invest in the AAFES community’s future and helping people achieve their academic dreams.  

Program Details

Who Can Apply

Graduating high school seniors who are natural, legally adopted children or custodial stepchildren of active, retired or deceased Army and Air Force Exchange U. S. payroll employees or military personnel assigned to the Exchange, who have been accepted to an accredited college, university, community college, technical school, or U.S. military academy are eligible to apply.

Applicants must be:

  • Natural, legally adopted, or custodial stepchildren of active, retired, or deceased Exchange U.S. payroll employees. If the sponsor is retired, they must be an active member of the National AREA organization.
  • Natural, legally adopted, or custodial stepchildren of active, or retired Military personnel assigned to the Army Air Force Exchange. If the Military member is retired, they must have been assignment with the Exchange at the time of retirement and must be an active member of AREA.
  • Work for the Army Air Force Exchange themselves and paid on the U. S. payroll.

Academic Requirements

  • Be in their senior year of high school and scheduled to graduate in calendar year 2026
  • An average of 3.33 (B+) on a 4.0-point scale or 87-89 (B+) on a 100-point scale is required.
  • Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college, university, community college, trade school, or U.S. military academy for undergraduate studies in 2026.
  • Accreditation will be determined through the US Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), https://www.ed.gov/accreditation/search.aspx.

Application Process

  • Opens: January 2, 2026
  • Deadline: March 27, 2026
    Scholarships will be awarded based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, honors and recognitions, special talents, recommendation letters, and an essay.

How to Apply

Visit the program’s website for detailed criteria and application forms: Scholarships – Army & Air Force Exchange Service Retired Employees Association.

For any questions or inquiries, contact scholarships@aafesretired.org.

The National AREA’s commitment to supporting students underscores its pledge to “paying it forward” and investing in the next generation of leaders. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity!