For 40 years now, the National AAFES Retired Employees Association (AREA) has made a considerable impact by investing in the futures of deserving students. Since its inception in 1985, the AREA scholarship program has provided more than $1 million in scholarship funds to more than 430 students.
This year we have a few exciting changes!
This year’s awards include two $5,000 scholarships, ten $3,000 scholarships, and NEW this year, an additional three $1,000 scholarships for deserving trade school applicants for a total of $43,000, with the potential for additional awards based on the number and quality of applications received.
These awards continue the AREA tradition of giving with a commitment to invest in the Exchange community’s future and helping people achieve their academic dreams.
Who Can Apply
Graduating high school seniors who are natural, legally adopted children or custodial stepchildren of active, retired or deceased Army and Air Force Exchange U.S. payroll employees or military personnel assigned to the Exchange, who have been accepted to an accredited college, university, community college, technical school, or U.S. military academy are eligible to apply.
Applicants must fit one of the categories below:
- Natural, legally adopted, or custodial stepchildren of active, retired, or deceased Exchange U.S. payroll employees. If the sponsor is retired, they must be an active member of the National AREA organization.
- Natural, legally adopted, or custodial stepchildren of active, or retired military personnel assigned to the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. If the military member is retired, they must have been assignment to the Exchange at the time of retirement and must be an active member of AREA.
- Active associates working for the Exchange themselves and paid on the U.S. payroll.
Academic Requirements
- Applicants must be in their senior year of high school and scheduled to graduate in calendar year 2026
- An average of 3.33 (B+) on a 4.0-point scale or 87-89 (B+) on a 100-point scale is required.
- Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college, university, community college, trade school or U.S. military academy for undergraduate studies in 2026.
Accreditation will be determined through the US Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), https://www.ed.gov/accreditation/search.aspx.
Application Process
The application process is now open. Deadline is March 27.
Scholarships will be awarded based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, honors and recognitions, special talents, recommendation letters and an essay.
How to Apply
Visit the program’s website for detailed criteria and application forms: Scholarship Program – Army & Air Force Exchange Service Retired Employees Association
For any questions or inquiries, contact scholarships@aafesretired.org.
The National AREA’s commitment to supporting students underscores its pledge to “paying it forward” and investing in the next generation of leaders. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity!
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