Paying it Forward
As we look to the future, we must remember what the AAFES Retired Exchange Association (AREA) has done for 39 consecutive years, and now they are ready to do it again!
Since the scholarship program began in 1985, AREA has awarded $948,000 to over 400 deserving students.
2024 Great news… National AREA is once again offering scholarships to the children of Exchange associates and military personnel assigned to the Exchange and plans to award $40,000 in scholarships for the 5th year in a row: Two for $5,000 and 10 for $3,000. AREA may award additional scholarships depending on the number and quality of applications received.
The W’s of the program:
The Who:
Graduating high school seniors who have been accepted to an accredited college or university are eligible. Applicants must be natural, legally adopted children or custodial stepchildren of active, retired, or deceased Exchange U.S. payroll employees or military personnel assigned to the Exchange. If retired, the sponsor must be an active AREA member.
For full criteria or an application form, visit the program’s website. If you have questions, contact scholarships@aafesretired.org.
The What:
To qualify, an ACT score of at least 23, or SAT score of at least 1,200 for the two-part test. If SAT/ACT scores are not required by the institution being applied to, you will be required to submit exception information along with your high school grade point average. An average of a 3.33 (B+) on a 4.0-point scale or a score of 87-89 (B+) on a 100-point scale is required.
Applicant must plan on attending an accredited college, university, community college/technical school, or one of the U.S. military academies for undergraduate studies in calendar year 2024. Accreditation will be determined through the US Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP),
The When:
The application process opens in January and the submission deadline is March 31, 2024. Scholarships are awarded based on several factors to include the applicant’s scholastic honors, recognitions, school and outside activities, hobbies and special talents, letters of recommendation and their essay.
For full criteria or an application form, visit the program’s website at Scholarships – Army & Air Force Exchange Service Retired Employees Association. If you have questions, please feel free to contact scholarships@aafesretired.org.