The 2018 Fort Lewis Military Family Member Scholarship application window is now open. Application packets are available online and the deadline is March 23.
The Fort Lewis Military Family Member Scholarship Fund goal is to support soldiers by providing college education grants to their spouses and children. The scholarship program relies on the donations of individuals and local organizations to help Army family members in the Joint Base Lewis-McChord area reach their educational goals. In the past 25 years, the fund has awarded more than $600,000 to JBLM-area family members.
A dedicated committee of volunteers and the generosity of donors make these scholarships possible. In 2017, the Fort Lewis Family Member Scholarship Fund awarded more than $46,000 in scholarships. Applications were received from family members in Pierce County, North Thurston County and King County, and 22 scholarships were awarded in three categories: high school seniors, spouses, and students currently enrolled in college. The average GPA of applicants was 3.80, and individual scholarships awarded ranged from $750 to $5,000.
Scholarships are not financial-need based, and applications are judged on a variety of criteria to include essay response, grades, community involvement and leadership. Applicants are encouraged to use the online form as it is easier to complete and looks neater and more professional.
"We receive applications from incredible, high-achieving high school students, first-year college students and eligible spouses who have all managed to thrive in this crazy military environment we live in," said Rikki J. Grant-Goble, chairperson. "I look forward to seeing who this year's application process brings to the table. I absolutely enjoy being a part of the process that rewards them for their hard work scholastically as well as their dedication to their community."
Those with a valid military ID card and the immediate family member (child or spouse) of an active-duty Army soldier assigned to and residing within a 50-mile radius of JBLM are eligible. Surviving family members of soldiers residing within a 50-mile radius of JBLM or family members and retired soldiers residing within a 50-mile radius of JBLM are also eligible. Active-duty, recipients of a full scholarship, prior recipients of a Fort Lewis Family Member Scholarship, those with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree, and those applying to or attending graduate school are not eligible.
Applications for the McChord Spouses' Club scholarships must be postmarked by March 2.
Applications for McChord Spouses' Club scholarships are available during business hours at the McChord Thrift Shop on McChord Field or online on the club's website: tinyurl.com/ybyx236x.
Applications should be mailed to MSC Scholarship Chairperson McChord Spouses Club, P.O. Box 4164, JBLM 98438.
For more information, email mcchordspousesclubscholarships@gmail.com.
Fort Lewis Military Family Member Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 331037, JBLM, WA 98433, ftlewisfamilyscholarship@hotmail.com, FortLewisScholarship.com