• DALLAS
One of the most prominent of the military resale scholarship programs is the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s National AAFES Retired Employees Association (AREA) Scholarships.
According to Arna Yarbrough, the program’s director, the dual purposes of the National AREA Scholarship program are to “provide freshman year college/university/technical school scholarships to high school graduating students who are related to active, retired or deceased Exchange U.S. payroll associates, or to military personnel who have been assigned to the Exchange.”
This scholarship program also supports the National AREA objective of community involvement.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools for change, and scholarships make that tool accessible,” she said. “By donating to the National AREA Scholarship funds, you’re not just helping students achieve their dreams, you’re shaping the future of our society.”
According to Yarbrough, scholarship funds are a way for individuals, families, businesses, and others to invest in the Exchange community’s future and help people achieve their academic dreams.
DONATIONS
Anyone can contribute to the National AREA Scholarship fund.
“While there is a common misconception that only Exchange retirees can contribute to the scholarship funds, the reality is that virtually anyone can provide a contribution,” Yarbrough said, adding that the fund is a non-profit entity and all contributions are tax deductible.
“When considering charitable giving, we often think about causes like feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless or medical research,” Yarbrough noted. “However, there’s another impactful way to create lasting change: donating to scholarship funds.
“These funds not only help students access higher education, but also transform entire communities by opening doors to opportunities otherwise out of reach. Your support can turn aspirations into reality for Exchange families. Whether it’s a one-time gift or ongoing contributions, every dollar counts toward creating an optimistic world.”
If you are considering donating to a charitable foundation, Yarbrough wants you to think about the lasting impact of supporting the National AREA Scholarship program.
“It’s more than a donation — it’s an investment in potential, hope and a better tomorrow,” she explained. “This money can be used for a college, university or a technical school.”
Donations can be made in the name of an Exchange associate who has passed, or one can name the AREA Scholarship in their estate plan.
“You can ensure your legacy continues to support educational opportunities for future generations,” Yarbrough said.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, visit
https://aafesretired.org/scholarships/donations/
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
