An active National Guard member is involved in federal missions for the United States Armed Forces and the United States Air Force. They are part of the reserve components of the United States Armed Forces that serve the nation. Their missions include protecting communities from natural disasters and threats abroad. When the National Guard is not active on the Federal Level, then they are a state-based military force that works under the governor’s office. When activated, they are sent on dangerous combat missions that serve to protect the national interest.
The young men and women of the National Guard are entitled to education opportunities while they serve the nation. Most of the time, they can enlist themselves with accredited universities across the United States to pursue full-time degree courses of their choice. The government has established various financial funding opportunities for them through aids and organizations. The National Guard Associations have been set up to work for the benefit of the family members and active servicemen.
Below are some of the unique scholarships that are rewarded to National Guard members to complete their education. These scholarships entitle huge amounts on an annual basis and cover the entire cost of tuition fees, boarding, and extra expenditure of the students. Most of the time, National Guard students are offered a campus boarding facility within the university. They also have the option of pursuing their degree online through these grants. Let us take a look at the unique academic grants that are available to active National Guard members.
1. Dedicated Army National Guard (DEDNG) Scholarship
The Army National Guard has established the Dedicated Army National Guard (DEDNG) scholarship for National Guard members who have enrolled for a course in an accredited university supporting the ROTC program. Students must have a minimum GPA score of 2.5; they must be under the age of 31 for the entire year of commissioning. Be medically fit and must have completed the ROTC basic course along with the combat training program. This particular grant is available for up to four years. The grant covers the full cost of tuition and boarding; an additional $1,200 is provided to recipients for course materials. A $ 420 stipend is paid for a ten-month period along with the drill sergeant allowance of $319 per month after participation in the SMP program.
Provided by: Army National Guard
Amount: $ 10,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: Varies
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2. The AFBA NGAUS Active Life Member Scholarship
The National Guard Association has established the AFBA NGAUS Lifetime Scholarship for National Guards seeking to pursue higher education at accredited universities across the United States. The student must have enrolled for a full-time course, and they must be an active member of the National Guard Association. This grant is also available for family members of the National Guard Association.
Provided by: National Guard Association
Amount: $ 5,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 1st March 2022 – 1st June 2022
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3. EANGUS Grantham Scholarships
The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the National Guard (EANGUS) has partnered with Grantham University to award 2 full undergraduate or graduate scholarships to National Guard members who have enrolled with the university. Students must become active members of EANGUS before applying for an award. The application must include a dissertation on their future objectives and why they need financial assistance to pursue their graduate studies. They must begin their full-time course within six months of receiving the grant at the University of Arkansas. Students must also hold an excellent academic track record.
The grant covers tuition fees, internships, teaching materials, software support, and miscellaneous expenses incurred during the educational period.
Provided by: University of Arkansas Grantham
Amount: $ 40,077
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 1st May 2022
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4. The CSM Virgil R. Williams Scholarship
The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) has established the CSM Virgil R. Williams Scholarship to the members of EANGUS. The bursary is also available for children and spouses of EANGUS members. EANGUS members must receive at least one year remaining on their enlistment following completion of the school year for which the application is submitted or have served 20 or more years of service to qualify for this prize. Students are required to be enrolled full-time in an accredited university, vocational or business school. They are expected to demonstrate leadership qualities and financial requirements.
Provided by: Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States
Amount: $ 2,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 1st July 2022
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5. ROTC Scholarships
The Grand Canyon University has established ROTC scholarships for serving members of the National Guard who wish to pursue their education from the university. Students should have a high school record and a minimum GPA of 2.5. They need to be registered in a full-time course at the university. The grant financially supports tuition and pension costs; an additional allowance is awarded for teaching materials and miscellaneous expenses. Students will also receive a monthly allowance to bear the cost of their education.
Provided by: Grand Canyon University
Amount: Varies – $500 Monthly Allowance
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: Varies
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6. EANGUS Future Phoenix Scholarship
The University of Phoenix has collaborated with the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States to provide financial assistance to serving National Guard members who have enrolled for a full-time course with the university. The grant pays for the full tuition fees that are incurred till the completion of the course. The students have the liberty to join the dedicated majoring course online or by attending the campus lectures.
Provided by: University of Phoenix
Amount: Varies
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 23rd April 2022
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7. USAA Scholarship
The South Dakota National Guard has collaborated with the USAA to provide financial assistance to the members of the National Guard who are actively involved in the South Dakota region. This grant gives the opportunity to Army and Air Men to pursue their dream of achieving higher education at an accredited university of their choice. Students must also be active members of the South Dakota National Guard Association. The application must include recommendation letters from the unit commander and counselor enlisting the personality and academic traits of the student. It must also include the original university admission transcript.
Provided by: South Dakota National Guard
Amount: $500 – $ 1,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 15th March 2022
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8. The Van Hipp Heroes Scholarship Fund
Van Hipp is an Army veteran and Chairman of American Defense International, Inc. (ADI). He has dedicated the Van Hipp Heroes Scholarship Fund for the National Guard members who are serving the United States army. This grant is especially for men and women who have fought in the war of terror. Students must be enrolled in a full-time course with an accredited university.
Provided by: National Guard Educational Fund
Amount: Varies
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 1st July 2022
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9. Leonardo DRS Guardian Scholarship Fund
The National Guard Education Foundation has established the Leonardo DRS Guardian Scholarship Fund for National Guard members who are pursuing their higher education. The eligibility criteria for this scholarship is that the students have to be enrolled in a full-time course with an accredited university. Students must produce the official educational transcript while applying, along with a letter of recommendation. Students have to maintain a GPA score of 3.5 while applying for the scholarship program.
Provided by: National Guard Education Foundation
Amount: $12,500
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 30th June 2022
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10. SMART Scholarship Program
The SMART scholarship program has been established for the National Guard members who wish to pursue higher education in STEM-based careers within the military. This is a stipend-based grant that is paid annually to deserving students who have enrolled for science, mathematics, and research for transformation. Students are granted full funding for tuition and related educational expenditure. Students will be allowed to participate in summer research internship programs. They will also be inducted directly with DoD once they complete their graduation.
Provided by: Smart Scholarship
Amount: $25,500 – $ 38,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 1st August 2022
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Conclusion
National Guards are an honor to society and the nation. They, too, have dreams and aspirations to complete their college education. The above scholarships funded by the government give these respectable men and women the opportunity to be on par in the academic field while serving their national duty with courage.
