• DALLAS
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES) “You Made the Grade” Program is back for its 24th year, rewarding military students who earn good grades with exclusive discounts, prizes and savings.
All traditional — and for the first time, non-traditional military students — in first through 12th grades, including those who are home schooled, can bring their report cards to the customer service area each grading period to receive prizes.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that philosophy is no different for military communities,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor.
“Military families move up to nine times on average, according to the Department of Defense, and face other challenges, such as a parent deploying, that can adversely affect schooling, so what this program does is give students additional incentive in making good grades and maintaining them,” he stated.
HOW IT WORKS
Students with straight A’s will receive a $20 Exchange gift card while students with a B average will receive a $10 Exchange gift card.
Students will also receive an Exchange coupon sheet, including a number of free items: small fountain, frozen drink or bubbler beverage; kid’s meal at a participating Exchange restaurant; combo meal at a participating Exchange restaurant; and kid’s hair service at The Barber Shop, Hair Studios, or Stylique beauty salons.
Discounts include 10-percent off any pair of headphones (excluding Apple and Beats); 10-percent off apparel and footwear; and a $5 coupon at Exchange mall concessions or kiosks.
SPECIALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM STUDENTS
A new addition to the program is the participation of students who are making progress on their specialized education programs.
Parents can print a downloadable form on ShopMyExchange.com and have their child’s teacher or school official sign it each grading period, indicating the modified grades of the student’s academic progress.
Students and parents can bring the signed form to the customer service area at the PX or BX to earn “You Made the Grade” prizes. Exchange associates have been trained to accept the form.
TOP PRIZES
Students who make the grade can enter a biannual worldwide sweepstakes for a chance to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. Drawings take place in December and June.
To enter the drawing, students or parents can complete the form on the back of the gift card and mail it to: You Made the Grade, P.O. Box 227398, Dallas, TX 75222-7398.
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
