You may be familiar with AMVETS – they’ve been around since 1944 and were the first WWII veterans organization to be chartered by Congress. You may have heard about their legislative endeavors or approached them for help with a disability claim. AMVETS involvement in the veteran community also includes awarding seven different types of scholarships each year, four of which are available to servicemembers – Active Duty, Guard, and Reserves – and veterans.
The Henry G. Huestis Memorial scholarship, named in honor of Henry G. Huestis, who was drafted into Air Force communications and served in Da Nang, Vietnam, is $1,000 and is awarded to one recipient each year.
The Dr. Aurelio M. Caccomo Family Foundation Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of Dr. Aurelio M. Caccomo, an Italian immigrant and doctor who served in the Special Forces and retired as a Colonel from the Army Reserves, is $3,000 and is awarded to two individuals each year.
And the AMVETS and Ralph S. French Charitable Foundation Scholarship, which are both $4,000 each, distributed over four years. There are a total of thirteen recipients (combined) for these two scholarships.
(There is an additional fifth scholarship for veterans offered in conjunction with University of Phoenix but application for that will not be available until June so it may be covered at a later date.)
Basic eligibility requirements:
– Must be a United States Citizen
– Must be actively serving or have served honorably
– Must have a high school diploma or GED
– Must demonstrate financial need
– Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment to an eligible program
– Must not be in default on a federal student loan
– Must not be convicted under state or federal law for sale of or possession of illegal drugs
– Must agree to authorize AMVETS to publicize your scholarship award, if you are selected
The application can be completed online and will require you to gather some relevant information before completing it. Information required includes:
– Basic personal information
– Educational background, including contact information to the school you are attending or are accepted to
– Income and educational expenses details – this includes you and your spouse’s gross salary, all forms of income (including VA, work study, social security, loans, and other scholarships) and cost of housing, tuition, fees, and books
In addition to the application, applicants will need to supply the following information:
– Proof of service – DD-214, orders or letter from commanding officer, if still serving
– Official college transcripts
– The first two pages of your 1040 tax form to verify financial need
– Copy of FAFSA
– 100 word essay on how this scholarship will help you achieve your educational/vocational goals
– Acceptance letter or enrollment verification from school showing acceptance or participation in a degree program
– Resume detailing military duty and awards, employment history, volunteer and community service activities
Membership in AMVETS is not required to apply for or receive these scholarships. However, they are specifically geared towards individuals who do not have other means to pay for education, including those who have exhausted their GI Bill benefits.
The application can be completed online and supporting documentation uploaded at: https://app.wizehive.com/appform/login/amvetsscholarships1 Deadline for submission is April 30, 2014.
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