JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
With springtime in the air, the academic year almost complete and summer just around the corner, the incessant progression of seasons brings people to think about what they want to do once school is back in session.
In accordance with expensive college fees, the Air Force Services Agency has announced its continuation of the annual Air Force Club Membership Scholarship Program.
While earning a college degree can be a very beneficial and rewarding accomplishment, the AFSVA acknowledges that although money has yet to be found growing on trees, school tuition is not getting cheaper.
When kids graduate high school, they are brought to a place in their life where they must make a decision. Whether they choose to travel the world, go to college or join the military, everyone should be encouraged to achieve the goals they hope to accomplish.
As of Tuesday, all Air Force club members in good standing, along with their family members, are eligible to win one of 25 $1,000 scholarships.
In order to be a candidate, applicants must write a 500-word essay on what the lyrics of "America the Beautiful" mean to them, Merilyn Gove, Parr Club and Kendrick Club general manager, said.
Entry qualifications include turning in the following things by July 2: a CD containing the written essay with participant's name, date and word count; properly filled out entry form; and current college or university acceptance letters from new students or official transcripts from students who are already enrolled.
Each year there is a different subject in which the essay is based on, Shelta Reese, 902nd Force Support Squadron marketing director, said. It's usually along the lines of "what does being in the Air Force mean to you?"
"I love the subject [of the essay] this year," Gove said.
Once all of the entries are collected, they will be sent to a board of judges. Winners will be determined and notified by Sept. 27.
Winning is not a guarantee, Reese said, but it's definitely a possibility.
"Yes, you need to put thought into your essay and think it through, but I would definitely encourage people to do it," she said. "They have nothing to lose."
The application process is free and the award is one that every college student should be interested in, Reese said.
"It's a great program because it gives our club members an opportunity to compete and get some financial help," Gove said.
The scholarship can be used at any accredited college or university for any major. It was created simply to benefit and support club members and their families.
"I personally think that as you are about to go into college, you should be pursuing every single avenue for getting yourself money that will help fray the expenses," Reese said.
Anything helps, she said. Everyone who meets the criteria should apply. It's a great opportunity.