The National AAFES Retired Employees Association (AREA) Scholarship Program 2026 scholarship application process is open, but time is running out. Application deadline is March 27–less than two weeks from now.
The scholarships continue the AREA tradition of giving with a commitment to invest in the Exchange community’s future and helping people achieve their academic dreams.
This year’s awards include:
- Two $5,000 scholarships
- 10 $3,000 scholarships
- NEW…an additional three $1,000 scholarships for deserving trade school applicants
Who Can Apply
Graduating high school seniors who are natural or legally adopted children, or custodial stepchildren, of active, retired or deceased Army and Air Force Exchange U.S. payroll associates 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 be:
- Natural, legally adopted, or custodial stepchildren of active, retired, or deceased Exchange U.S. payroll associates. 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 Exchange. If the military member is retired, they must have been on assignment with 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 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 U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), https://www.ed.gov/accreditation/search.aspx.
Application Process
- Opens: January 2, 2026 (OPEN NOW)
- Deadline: March 27, 2026
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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