Our Military Kids provides scholarships for military children who wish to participate in activities when their parent is deployed or recovering from injury. Specifically, the program covers school-age military children (ages 5-end of 12th grade) whose parent serves in the Guard, Reserve, or all Wounded Veterans.
Our Military Kids awards up to $300 per child, easing the financial loss or hardship that can occur when a service member in the Guard or Reserves leaves overseas on assignment or is recovering. This is due in part to the lack of resources that may be available to non-active duty children in comparison to active-duty families such as proximity to military installations. The scholarship intends to fill the gaps for military children and give them opportunities for achievement and confidence.
The Scholarship Details
Today, the non-profit is nationwide and offers grants for sports, fine arts, camps, and tutoring costs. Each family may receive one scholarship per child per deployment or up to four every six months for a Wounded Veteran’s child. Other covered activities include:
- STEM programs
- Driver’s Ed
- High school band trips
- Miscellaneous sports like rock climbing
If your activity does not fall under a category, you can check with the foundation to verify eligibility. The grant does not cover academic tuition, childcare, or religious trips. Scholarships are subject to availability.
Who qualifies for the scholarship?
- Children whose parent serves in the National Guard and Reserves
- All children whose parent serves on active-duty and is a retired Wounded Veteran
How do I apply?
There are two applications available depending on your circumstances. You’ll need to choose one and gather the necessary documents to apply.
Application documents needed for Deployed Families:
- A copy of the deployment orders on a National Guard or Reserves assignment. The service member must have at least 60 days remaining on the orders.
- Provide one of three forms of child identification:
- A copy of the completed Form 1172, Application for Uniformed Services Identification (DEERS Form)
- A copy of the child’s birth certificate if the service member is the biological parent who is deployed.
- A copy of DEERS/MilConnect Service Member profile page showing the child listed as the service member’s dependent.
- Verification of the activity’s cost in the form of a flyer, brochure, website screenshot, or official letterhead from the organization which displays the cost of the program.
- Tutoring services must have proof of a teaching certificate to be eligible.
Application documents for Severely Injured Families:
- For active-duty veterans: a copy of the most recent orders to a WTU or medical hold.
- For medically retired veterans: a copy of the VA paperwork that contains the disability percentage (rated 30% or more), diagnosis, and form DD214.
- The same child identification process. Choose one of three forms when applying:
- A copy of the completed Form 1172, Application for Uniformed Services Identification (DEERS Form)
- A copy of the child’s birth certificate if the service member is the biological parent who is deployed.
- A copy of DEERS/MilConnect Service Member profile page showing the child listed as the veteran’s dependent.
- Verification of the activity’s cost in the form of a flyer, brochure, website screenshot, or an official letterhead from the organization which displays the cost of the program.
- Tutoring services must have proof of a teaching certificate to be eligible.
- Provide a letter from the veteran’s case manager that states:
- The veteran is receiving treatment for injuries that occurred during any post-9/11 overseas contingency operation, AND
- The veteran has combat-related injuries while deployed during any post 9/11 overseas contingency operation.
Be sure to block-out your SSN on your documents. Applications with a visible SSN will not be processed.
What happens next?
Once the application is received and processed, Our Military Kids will mail you with a check addressed to the organization. The packet includes a grant certificate with your child’s name on it. The certificate is often used as a great photo prop with your military child. Families are encouraged to post their photos on their Facebook profile page.
More Information on Our Military Kids
- Our Military Kids began in 2004 by the Virginia National Guard and quickly spread through D.C. and other neighboring states. It became a nationwide non-profit in 2008.
- 15 years after its inception, Our Military Kids has given more than $26 million in scholarships to over 66,000 military children.
- Data reports show the benefits of the program for military children and families:
- 71% parents reported child improved on their academic performance
- 98% parents felt their family well-being had improved
- 95% veterans felt a sense of morale during their recovery
- 94% parents reported a decline of stress and anxiety in their child
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Cristina Van Orden is a literary writer and active military spouse. She holds an MFA from Antioch University and taught K-12 English before working in editorial. Cristina currently resides on base with her husband and children.