News

AFAS’ free money available for students

by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bass
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
February 27, 2020
An informational stand sits aside a booth for the Air Force Aid Society’s 75th anniversary on Ramstein Air Base, Mar. 10, 2017. Older than the Air Force itself, the AFAS traces its roots back to 1942. General Henry H. Arnold had a vision of an organization that embodied the idea of Airmen helping Airmen, and it still drives the Air Force’s mission across the world today. Photo by Senior Airman Lane T. Plummer

Family members of Airmen assigned to the Kaiserslautern Military Community have an opportunity to apply for the Air Force Aid Society’s education grant program now through April 30 for the 2020 academic year.

Grants range anywhere from $500-4,000 based on each student’s particular level of need, with the highest level of assistance going to the student who shows the greatest need, said Yomi Fontanez, 86th Force Support Squadron Airman & Family Readiness Center community readiness specialist.

The grant can be used to cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, supplies and curriculum-required materials.

Juli Robertson, 86th Force Support Squadron community readiness specialist, and Wesley Yancey, 86th Force Support Squadron exceptional family member program and family support specialist, present a cake celebrating the Air Force Aid Society’s 75th anniversary on Ramstein Air Base, Mar. 10, 2017. Celebrations were held at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center for families to come together in a large forum, and the event reminded people of the many different ways the AFAS helps Airmen and their families. Photo by Senior Airman Lane T. Plummer

Children wanting to apply must fit one of the following dependent categories to be eligible: children of active duty, Title 10 reservists on extended active duty, Title 32 active-guard-reservists performing full-time active duty; retired Air Force members; retired reservists with 20 years of qualifying service; or deceased Air Force members. Additionally, spouses of active duty members and Title 10 reservists as well as surviving spouses of Air Force members who died while on active duty or in retired status are also eligible for the grant.

“In 2019 we had 15 applicants apply for this grant and 100 percent were awarded,” Fontanez said. “Eleven were children and four were spouses.”

Juli Robertson, 86th Force Support Squadron community readiness specialist, prepares a booth for the Air Force Aid Society’s 75th anniversary on Ramstein Air Base, Mar. 10, 2017. The society helps Airmen and their families with emergency assistance, education support, and a plethora of community programs. Photo by Senior Airman Lane T. Plummer

Applicants must be enrolled in full-time undergraduate programs in college, universities or vocational/trade schools and maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average, Fontanez said.

During the 2019-2020 academic year, the AFAS awarded more than 2,000 grants and the majority were awarded to dependents of senior officer and enlisted members. However, there are no rank or income disqualifiers.

Named after retired Gen. Henry ‘Hap’ Arnold, who was instrumental in the expansion of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, the grant dates back to 1988 and has helped more than 111,000 students receive more than $172 million in aid.

To apply for the grant, family members should go to the AFAS website at www.afas.org/general-henry-h-arnold-education-grant.

All applications must be submitted by April 30 for the upcoming academic year. Award notifications will be sent through email in June.

« Previous × Next »