Air Force Association Scholarships

Through AFA scholarships, caring organizations and individuals help students pursue their dreams of higher education with generous scholarships, awards, and grants. These programs exemplify the lifelong bond of Airmen and the commitment of our supporting community.

AFA accepts scholarship applications between December 1 and April 30.

1) COLONEL AARON BURGSTEIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This program was made possible by a bequest from Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Judith Burgstein in memory of their devoted son and AFA lifetime member, Colonel Aaron Burgstein. Family, friends, and colleagues have contributed additional funds.

The Colonel Aaron Burgstein Memorial Scholarship was established to aid minor dependents of (officer or enlisted) Active Duty, veteran, or retired service members; reservists; or National Guard members of all branches pursuing a degree at an accredited college or university. Priority is given to dependents whose parent or guardian served for eight or more years, who have had a parent die while serving on Active Duty, or who have a parent classified as a wounded warrior through the Air Force Wounded Warrior program. One scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded annually.

2) CAPTAIN JODI CALLAHAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Captain Jodi Callahan Memorial Scholarship provides $1,000 in financial assistance and recognition to an Active Duty, full-time Guard, or Reserve (officer or enlisted) Airman pursuing a master's degree in a non-technical field.

3) MIKE & GAIL DONLEY SPOUSE SCHOLARSHIPS

The AFA Mike & Gail Donley Spouse Scholarship program awards two $2,500 scholarships annually to encourage Air Force spouses worldwide to pursue associate/bachelor undergraduate or graduate/postgraduate degrees.

4) LT. COL. ROMEO AND JOSEPHINE BASS FERRETTI SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is made possible by a bequest from the estate of Lt. Col. Romeo and Josephine Bass Ferretti, and was established for minor dependents of Air Force Active Duty, Reserve, or Air National Guard enlisted Airmen pursuing an undergraduate STEM degree. A committee will award $5,000 to a student based upon several factors, including academics, character, and financial need.

5) COL. LOREN J. AND MRS. LAWONA R. SPENCER SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is made possible through a generous endowment from the Spencer estate. It provides $5,000 for Air Force personnel (officer or enlisted, Air Force civilian, full-time National Guard, and full-time Reserve) to pursue graduate-level education in management and administration fields in preparation for senior-level leadership roles.

6) JOHN C. AND BLANCHE LEE LINDSAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was made possible by a bequest from Mrs. Elizabeth L. Lindsay, widow of Lt. Col. John Lindsay, in memory of their children John C. and Blanche Lee Lindsay who passed away before Lt. Col. and Mrs. Lindsay. One $2,500 scholarship will be awarded annually to a child of members of the United States Air Force who are pursuing a college degree.

8) DR. SYDELL PERLMUTTER GOLD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is made possible thanks to a generous contribution from Dr. Ted Gold in honor of his wife Dr. Sydell Gold and her illustrious life and career. An accomplished mathematician and systems analyst, Sydell served on the National Security Council, as a senior executive of the Air Force, and on various government advisory groups, often as the only woman.

In recognition of her remarkable achievements and legacy as a role model to talented and ambitious women, the Dr. Sydell Perlmutter Gold Memorial Scholarship is awarded to daughters of US Air Force members who will be pursuing a bachelor's degree in a STEM field. The $20,000 scholarship will be payable in annual installments over four years.

8) DELTA DENTAL GRANTS

Funded by a grant from Delta Dental, this program provides scholarships and grants to military spouses, military dependents, and transitioning service members for the advancement of oral health and wellness. Eligible applicants may be pursuing a wide range of programs such as dentistry, nursing, home healthcare aid, or caregiver training. Five grants in the amount of $2,000 each will be awarded.

9) TRIDENT UNIVERSITY FULL SCHOLARSHIP

Trident University offers three full-ride scholarships to current AFA members. The scholarship can be applied towards bachelor's and master's programs at Trident University and is available to both current and prospective students.

10) PENTAGON FEDERAL CREDIT UNION PILOT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsored by Pentagon Federal Credit Union, this scholarship is available to AFA members to pursue pilot training towards a private pilot's license. The award will be for a maximum of $10,000 and applicable to aircraft rental and instructor fees at a training facility of the recipient's choice.

11) DESTIN FLIGHT WORKS PILOT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP

Funded by Vertol, this program offers one AFA member per year a scholarship to attend pilot training courses leading to a private pilot's license at the Destin Flight Works school located in Destin, Florida. The amount will be limited to $10,000 towards instructor training and aircraft rental.

12) THE GEORGE AND VICKI MUELLNER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Created through a generous contribution by the George and Vicki Muellner Foundation, two scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each are awarded annually to eligible college students in Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings (AAS-SW). Applications are accepted September through November each academic year.