Army Women’s Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Army Women’s Foundation

Overview
The Army Women’s Foundation (AWF) supports educational advancement for women who have served in the U.S. Army (active, Reserve, or National Guard) and their lineal descendants. The AWF Legacy Scholarship Program awards need- and merit-based grants for accredited education in four areas: Certificate programs, Community College coursework, Undergraduate degrees, and Graduate degrees. Awards are determined using academic record, demonstrated potential, personal essay, community service, letters of recommendation, and financial need.

STEM emphasis
AWF also provides scholarships targeted to STEM fields to help meet growing workforce demand. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM jobs are expanding at about 17% compared with 9.8% for other occupations. Applicants pursuing STEM study are encouraged to apply.

Who may apply
- Applicants must be women who served or are serving honorably in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard, or a lineal descendant (child or grandchild) of such a woman. Applications will be disqualified if there is evidence that the service was not honorable.
- Proof of qualifying Army service must be provided (for example: DD Form 214, discharge documents, commander’s verification, or other official active service documentation). Remove or obscure Social Security numbers on submitted documents.

Program-specific eligibility
- Certificate Program: High school graduate (or GED) with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and currently enrolled in or accepted by an accredited certificate-granting institution.
- Community College: High school graduate (or GED) with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and currently enrolled in or accepted by an accredited community college.
- Undergraduate: Accepted to or enrolled in an accredited college/university and must have completed at least 30 credit hours before the application deadline, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Graduate: Hold an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and be accepted or enrolled in a graduate program (master’s or doctoral).

Selection and award details
- Winners are chosen by a Scholarship Committee appointed by the AWF Board of Directors. Each scholarship category is reviewed separately; the Committee decides how many awards will be made in each category and the grant amounts.
- Army women and lineal descendants are evaluated in separate pools so applicants compete with their peers.
- Recipients may receive up to two AWF Legacy Scholarships over time, except Graduate-level recipients, who are eligible for only one award and may not reapply for this category.
- Scholarship funds are limited to documented, institution-approved expenses: tuition, fees, books, and school-documented room and board. AWF sends funds directly to the academic institution; funds must be used during the academic year of the award (the academic year begins the fall semester following the award announcement). Awards cannot be applied retroactively to prior academic expenses.
- Selected recipients must provide: (a) a photo and brief statement for AWF publications, website, social media, and marketing, and (b) follow-up information describing how the scholarship assisted their education for AWF reporting and outreach.

Application requirements and deadline
All required materials must be submitted and postmarked by January 21, 2026. Carefully follow the instructions and include every requested item. Required documents:
- Online application: Complete the online application form (one application per person; you may apply for only one scholarship category).
- Proof of honorable Army service: Commander’s verification or official documentation (e.g., DD Form 214, discharge or active service records). Block out any SSN information.
- Official transcript(s): College/university transcripts. If applying to community college as a new student, include high school transcript or GED documentation. If you are entering a new program or school, supply proof of acceptance or enrollment.
- Two letters of recommendation on organization letterhead, with the writer’s title and contact information. One recommendation MUST be from an academic source (advisor, counselor, dean, professor, etc.). Letters must: be addressed to the AWF Legacy Scholarship Committee; be dated within six months of submission; explain why this applicant should receive the scholarship; and be current (you may not reuse letters from prior AWF applications or other programs). Choose recommenders who can attest to your academic abilities, military connection, community service, or work experience.
- Personal essay: Typed, double-spaced, two pages maximum. Address this prompt: “How has Army service—whether your own experience or that of a family member—shaped your understanding of leadership and responsibility?” Your essay must describe how the Army has influenced your life/goals, include future plans related to your chosen field of study, and provide relevant information about community service, activities, and work experience. Include your name in a header and, in the footer, list: Scholarship type (Undergraduate, Graduate, Certificate Program, or Community College), School name, and Eligibility (Army woman or Child/grandchild of an Army woman). A template for the required header/footer is available on the AWF website.
- If applying for the PCSI Scholarship as a disabled veteran, submit Department of Veterans Affairs documentation showing a disability rating of 50% or greater (for example, the DVA Summary of Benefits letter).

Additional essay guidance and submission notes
- The essay is a critical component of your application. Ensure correct grammar and spelling.
- If you received a prior AWF award, state that in your essay.
- Essays must be written for the current application year (you may not reuse an earlier essay).
- You may cite accomplishments and community activities from the past three years to support your application.
- Label all materials with your name and ensure they are postmarked by the deadline.
- Failure to follow directions or to include required materials may reduce your chance of selection.
- Mail paper materials to: USAWF Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 5030, Fort Lee, VA 23801.

Postmark deadline: January 21, 2026.

Apply today and contact AWF through their website for any questions or to find the essay header/footer template and additional program details.