By Blair Dupre, Sentinel Living Editor Feb 9, 2023
Photo by Blair Dupre, Sentinel Living Editor
The deadline for Fort Hood family members to apply for a scholarship from the Fort Hood Military Family Members Scholarship Fund is Feb. 21, and organization President, Summer Barbina, and Vice President, Angel Eagen, are eagerly awaiting the final applications to be turned in.
“Put the effort in and you may receive $5,000 or more towards your college education,” Barbina encouraged. “Our board is working hard to make this a record year for total dollars awarded to our recipients, and thanks to our generous donors I’m optimistic this will become a reality.”
Scholarship eligibility extends to active duty, retired and gold star families for high school seniors and spouses working towards their first bachelor degree. Along with the correct forms, applicants must complete a 750-essay answering the prompt, ‘Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea and what prompted your thinking and what was the outcome?’
“Applications on the website can be started and completed at another time when it is convenient for you,” Eagen said. “With the deadline approaching, be sure to request recommendations and transcripts as those will take the longest. You will be able to complete on-line applications until 11:59 p.m. on February 21st, and mail-in applications will need to be post-marked by the 21st.”
If the applicant is awarded a scholarship, they will be notified via email in mid-April and will be invited to the FHMFMSF scholarship ceremony.
The Fort Hood Scholarship Fund is still taking donations to be awarded to this year’s applicants and there are several ways to donate.
“Donations are tax-deductible and may be made online on our website www.forthoodscholarship.org/donors or by mailing in a check made out to ‘Fort Hood Military Family Member Scholarship Fund’ to PO Box 5299, Fort Hood, TX 76544,” Barbina explained. “Our organization is funded solely by the generous donors who believe in our mission. We appreciate each and every dollar donated to our cause.”
They are also looking for someone to donate their time in a publicity position.
“We have a vacancy on our board for publicity, so if you enjoy social media and/or web design, we would love for you to join our team,” Barbina said. “Email us at info@forthoodscholarship.org for more information.”
The FHMFMSF goal to support the futures of those who make up the Fort Hood community has been at the forefront since their founding in 1985. Over the past seven years, 198 scholarships have been granted totaling $312,000.
“This program is important to me because it is a tangible way to show our military families that others believe in them and that their future is important; that their sacrifice does not go unnoticed,” Barbina said. “Our scholarships improve the quality of life for our applicants by helping them fulfill their dreams of higher education. Programs such as these are critical in helping our military families thrive in this challenging lifestyle. I’m humbled to be a part of such a great cause.”
For more information visit https://www.forthoodscholarship.org/.