Although many scholarships are connected to military service, almost all are limited to either active-duty or retired soldiers, spouses of soldiers, children and even grandchildren of soldiers. At the time of writing, only one national scholarship program is available to the siblings of soldiers: the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Scholarship Program.
Award Information
The Army Aviation Association of America offers a variety of scholarships both through local chapters and at the national level. Scholarships vary in amount and are usually valued at between $1,000 and $3,000 per year. Scholarships also vary by term of support, and different named scholarships may provide support for one, two, or even four years. In 2010, the Army Aviation Association of America Scholarship Program awarded scholarships to 187 individuals, including several siblings of soldiers. Siblings must not be married to qualify.
Applicant Requirements
To be eligible, an applicant must be the spouse, child, brother or sister of a current AAAA member or a deceased AAAA member. AAAA scholarship money may only be used to defray the cost of college-level classes. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to receive AAAA scholarship money. Applicants may only be supported by one AAAA scholarship at any given time. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of an applicant's record of academic and personal achievement.
Application Packet
To apply for AAAA scholarship funds, you must compile an application packet that includes a completed scholarship application, a photograph for publicity purposes and a current transcript of grades. In addition, provide two references, along with one letter of recommendation from a person with direct knowledge of your school performance and one letter of recommendation from a professor. If you are a graduate student, you must also submit a 250-word essay detailing your goals and experiences.
Application Procedure
Application forms for the AAAA Scholarship Program are not available on the web. AAAA scholarship applications may be obtained by mailing a request to AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc., 755 Main Street, Suite 4D, Monroe, CT, 06468-2830. Alternatively, you may obtain an application by telephone (203-268-2450) or by email ([email protected]). Completed applications and application packets must be returned to the AAAA Scholarship Foundation by May 1 of each year.
Other Opportunities
Although the AAAA Scholarship Program is the only national program available to the siblings of soldiers, others may become available in the future. At the time of writing, there are bills pending in the state of Massachusetts that would establish scholarships available to siblings of Massachusetts soldiers killed or severely wounded in action.