A $5,000 scholarship available to dependent children and spouses of active duty and retired service members who demonstrate outstanding academic potential based on GPA, or used Grit (Growth, Resilience, Integrity and Tenacity) in overcoming a specific challenge in their academic journey. Students who have already been vetted through the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant application process will be evaluated based on cumulative GPA, high school transcripts and video essays on a specified topic.

Students chosen to receive a Merit or Grit Scholarship are announced in July each year. Funds will be disbursed directly to their college or university in August each year, and are limited to use for tuition, fees, books, and curriculum-required materials.

A minimum of 20 scholarships are awarded annually.