The Fort Knox Commissary is accepting applications for its annual scholarship program until Feb. 16.
Now in its 17th year, the national Scholarship for Military Children program is funded through contributions from commissary business partners and others. Commissaries from all military installations can participate.
Last year, 12 local students received scholarships of $2,000 each and 43 students have received awards over the last four years, said Charles Shropshire, Fort Knox Commissary director. About 10 percent of the students who have applied through the commissary have received scholarships, he said.
"I think it's a worthwhile program," Shropshire said. "It can only benefit awardees."
The program is open to children of active duty service members, reserve or guard members or retired military commissary customers, according to a fact sheet about the program.
Applications can be picked up at the Fort Knox Commissary or found at militaryscholar.org. Students will need to either mail or drop off the applications at the Commissary, which is located at 933 Gold Vault Road, Bldg. 121.
About 700 scholarships at $2,000 each are available nationally. At least one recipient will be selected at every commissary where qualified applications are received. However, commissaries with a larger number of applicants might have additional recipients.
To qualify for a scholarship, recipients must have at least a 3.0 grade-point average and plan to enroll to either a four-year accredited college or university, or two-year community college, per the fact sheet.
Those who receive a scholarship will be notified by May 15, according to the program's website.
Shropshire said his favorite part of the scholarship program is the notification.
"Seeing the looks on their faces when they realize they are getting money for college," he said.
Shropshire said the scholarship program is important because it helps offset the costs of a college education.
Students can apply for scholarships until their senior year of college.
Recipients will be selected based on academic achievement, work experience, an essay and participation in school, community and volunteer activities, according to the website.
Since the program started, more than $16.7 million has been awarded in scholarships to more than 10,000 students.
For more information, go to militaryscholar.org.
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