The Scholarships for Military Children program is primarily funded through the generosity of manufacturers and suppliers whose products are sold at military commissaries, worldwide. The program works to provide a scholarship funded through contributions awarded annually for each commissary operated by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) worldwide.

The application period for the 2026-2027 academic year will open on December 10, 2025, and close on February 11, 2026. Recipients will be notified of their status by mail on or about May 15, 2026. Due to the volume of applications, non-recipients are not notified.