FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Jan. 17, 2019) — The AER Scholarship Program for dependents has started taking applications for the 2019-2020 academic year.

In 2018, AER provided 3,971 scholarships worth $8.4 million. In the Fort Leonard Wood local community, AER provided 64 scholarships worth $144,850 to 45 children and 19 spouses.

That is an average of $2,263 per family in 2018. The awarded scholarships range from $250 to $3,800. The specific requirements for both types of scholarships are outlined below.

The Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Program is for dependent children of Soldiers (active duty, retired and deceased). This program is for full-time students at an undergraduate, technical or vocational institution accredited by the Department of Education.

Funds may be used for tuition, books, fees, supplies or school room and board. Students may reapply each year and must maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 grading scale.

A student applying for the 2019-2020 academic year must be under the age of 23 for the entire academic year.

The applicant must be an unmarried dependent child of an active duty or retired Soldier or a Soldier who died in either status. All Soldiers and students must be registered in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System. You can verify the student’s DEERS status at 1.800.538.9552.

The AER Spouse Scholarship Program is for spouses of active duty and retired Soldiers, and widows(ers) of Soldiers who died either on active duty or in a retired status, and are residing in the United States. All spouses must be registered in the DEERS.

This program does not apply to second undergraduate or graduate degrees.

Scholarship awards are based on financial need and are awarded annually for up to four academic years to attend post-secondary school full time as undergraduate level students.

Spouses can apply for scholarships online at any time during the year. There is not a specific deadline. Applications can take into account special circumstances, such as PCS/change of residence, geographic separation, and more.

Applications for the 2019-2020 academic year scholarships will be available online until April 1 at www.aerhq.org. Other requirement deadlines are found on the website.

Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and submit the Student Aid Report to AER. Since AER is not an education institution, the applicant must send a copy after they receive it.

AER will notify applicants about their scholarship during the first week of June.

Apply today.

Photo courtesy of AER