The Army Women’s Foundation (AWF) recognizes the importance of education and the role it plays in personal, professional and economic fulfillment. The Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program provides grants to women soldiers, past and present, and their lineal descendants to help them attain their educational goals. The AWF Legacy Scholarship Program offers financial support in four areas: Certificate Programs, Community College coursework, Undergraduate Degrees, and Graduate Degrees. Scholarships are awarded only for coursework from accredited institutions. Scholarships are based on merit, academic potential, personal essay, community service, letters of recommendation, and financial need.

  • Certificate Programs and Community College coursework scholarships may be awarded up to $1,000.
  • Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Program scholarships may be awarded up to $2,500.
2021 application

ELIGIBILITY

  1. Applicant must be a woman who has served or is serving honorably in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard or the lineal descendant of a woman who has served or is serving honorably in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard.
  2. Certificate Program AWF Legacy Scholarships: Applicant must be a high school graduate with a 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) or GED and must be currently enrolled in an accredited certificate granting institution.
  3. Community College AWF Legacy Scholarships: Applicant must be a high school graduate with a 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) or GED and must be currently accepted into or enrolled in an accredited community college.
  4. Undergraduate AWF Legacy Scholarships: Applicant must be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university and have completed 30 credit hours of course work with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
  5. Graduate Program AWF Legacy Scholarships: Applicant must have achieved an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and must be enrolled in or accepted into a Graduate level program — Masters or Doctoral.

AWARDS

Selection of the Legacy Scholarship recipient(s) are made by a Scholarship Committee appointed by the Board of Directors of the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation. Each scholarship category (certificate, community college, undergraduate, and graduate) will be evaluated and considered separately by the  Scholarship Committee who will also determine the number of scholarships awarded for each category and the amounts of each scholarship. Army women will be considered in one group and the lineal descendants of Army women will be considered in a separate group. In this way, peers will compete with their peers.

Legacy Scholarship recipients are eligible to compete in subsequent years and may receive a total of two awards in the Community College or Undergraduate Degree categories.  Awardees of the Certificate Program and Graduate Program are not eligible to compete again in these categories. For example, an Undergraduate category recipient awarded a scholarship in their sophomore year is eligible to compete again in their junior year.  An awardee in any category is eligible to compete in subsequent years in other categories and no more than three awards may be given to a single individual.

The scholarship funds may be used to assist with tuition, fees, books, and school documented room and board. Scholarships are awarded only to students attending accredited institutions. The funds will be sent to the academic institution for documented expenses and must be used in the academic year awarded. The academic year of the award begins the fall semester after the award announcement. These funds may not be used for prior academic expenses. If selected, AWF Legacy Scholarship recipients are to provide: a) a photograph and a statement for use in AWF publications, newsletter, website, social media, and marketing materials, etc. and b) follow-up information and feedback as to how the AWF scholarship assisted in their education for AWF research and marketing.

CRITERIA

All application materials, including online application form, essay, official transcript(s), two recommendations, proof of matriculation at designated accredited academic institution, as well as commander’s verification of active duty or qualified documentation of the sponsor or woman’s service (e.g. Dept. of Defense Form DD-214, Discharge Documents, Active Service Documents, etc.) must be submitted and postmarked by January 15, 2021. List of Required materials:

  • Online Application – This form is required and must be submitted online. You may apply for only one scholarship.
2021 application
  • Commander’s verification of active duty or qualified documentation of the sponsor or woman’s service (e.g. Dept. of Defense Form DD-214, Discharge Documents, Active Service Documents, etc.)
  • An official transcript from the applicant’s college or university is required. For new applicants to a community college, high school transcripts or GED documentation must accompany the application.
  • Two letters of recommendation (on letterhead) with titles and contact information are required. One letter of recommendation MUST be from a school advisor, counselor, dean of students, professor, etc. If this letter is not included, selection for the scholarship will be in jeopardy.  Letters of recommendation MUST be addressed to the AWF Legacy Scholarship Committee and should demonstrate why a Legacy Scholarship should be awarded to the specific student.
  • A short essay (2 pages or less, typed, double-spaced) highlighting why the recipient should be considered for this scholarship. The essay MUST address future plans as related to the applicant’s selected program of study and MUST include pertinent information in assessing an applicant’s other areas to include community service, activities, and work experience. The applicant MUST also address specifically how the Army has impacted their life and/or goals.
  • All materials must be labeled with applicant’s name and postmarked by the deadline for consideration and selection.
  • Failure to comply with these directions could negatively affect the applicant’s chance of selection.
  • All materials should be sent directly to: USAWF Scholarship Committee P.O. Box 5030 Fort Lee, VA 23801 POSTMARK DEADLINE: January 15, 2021