River Rats Scholarship Program

In 1970 the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (RRVA) initiated a Scholarship Program with the objective of "taking care of our own." Since its inception through Summer 2025, the program has awarded 1468 scholarship grants for over $3,274,000 to the children, grandchildren and spouses of Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army aircrew members.

ELIGIBILITY

1. Kinship Requirement: Scholarship grant recipients must be immediate relative (legal son, grandson, daughter, granddaughter, or spouse) of:
   1. A RRVA member who was in good standing listed as Killed in Action (KIA) or Missing in Action (MIA) from any combat situation involving U.S. military from August 1964 (Vietnam Era) through the present; or
   2. A RRVA member in good standing who was killed as the result of performing aircrew duties during a non-combat mission; or
   3. A current or deceased RRVA Life Member, or a current or deceased Annual Member in good standing.

RULES

1. Selections are made on the basis of financial need, demonstrated academic achievement, college entrance examinations, and accomplishments in school, church, civic, social activities, and financial need.
2. The scholarship grants can be applied to the cost of tuition, books, and room and board fees.
3. Funds are normally sent directly to the student's college or trade school of choice for disbursement.
4. The intent of the RRVA Scholarship Grant program is to provide financial assistance primarily for full-time academic pursuits including tech schools. However, on a case by case basis, financial support for part-time studies will be assessed.
5. The scholarship grant award will be determined by the student’s demonstrated need, available funding, and priorities established by the RRVA and administered by the RRVA Scholarship Committee.
6. Scholarship grants are for one academic year defined as starting with the Fall Semester (August/September) and ending after the next calendar year’s summer Session (July/August.)
7. Applications are required for each academic year. Previous grant recipients are required to apply each year for consideration.
8. The Scholarship Grant application window will open on December 15th and will close on March 15th in order to be eligible for scholarship assistance for the following academic year.
9. All applicants are required to sign and abide by the  RRVA Scholarship Agreement.