Scholarships offered to members of the U.S. military
November 9, 2012
In a show of gratitude for the risks and services provided by members of the U.S. military, some organizations have arranged to offer scholarships for college specifically tailored for former servicemen and servicewomen.
U.S. News published an article on these opportunities for veterans to obtain financial aid for school in light of the upcoming celebration of Veteran's Day. Originally designed to honor veterans of World War I, Veterans Day was first established under the name Armistice Day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In 1954, following World War II and the American military battle in Korea, veterans organizations successfully lobbied Congress to change the title of the holiday to Veterans Day, so it would honor all veterans, not just those from World War I.
For a time between 1971 and 1978, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday of October, but aside from that peroid, has always been celebrated on Nov. 11.
Today, veterans can get financial aid for college through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill, which covers tuition and fees at public colleges for those who spent at least 36 months in the military. As much as $17,500 could be awarded to veterans applying to a private university. However, U.S. News notes that as the price of higher education has continued to rise over the years, the GI Bill might not be substantial enough for former military members to afford to attend private university. On the plus side, there are also college scholarships from non-government institutions offered to vets.
The news source points to the American Legion's Nontraditional Student Scholarship, which requires being involved in one of three American Legion-associated organizations, with two years worth of membership dues paid. There's also the Veterans United Foundation Scholarship Program, which doles out five $2,000 scholarships twice a year to veterans spouses of veterans, or children of veterans. Lastly, U.S. News mentions a scholarship offered by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, which provides money for college to individuals who have received a purple heart, or spouses or widows of service members with have received the decoration of merit.
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