I've been active in the Civil Air Patrol and heard they offer scholarships for college. Does anyone know how I can apply for these scholarships and what the eligibility criteria are? Any tips from past recipients would be amazing!
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) provides scholarship funds to its cadet members who are interested in pursuing higher education. To be more specific, the scholarships are awarded in three categories: Flight Scholarships, Academic Scholarships, and Special Scholarships.
Flight Scholarships are awarded to those cadets who want to study any field related to aviation or space, usually with the intent of pursuing a career in aviation or aerospace.
Academic Scholarships are granted to cadets pursuing any field of study. What matters here is that the cadet can show their passion for the chosen field and how it aligns with CAP’s objectives and values.
Special Scholarships are offered for exceptionally achievement-focused pursuits like earning advanced STEM certificates or attending military academies.
With regard to eligibility, you would typically need to be currently involved as a CAP cadet, hold at least the Mitchel Award (a.k.a. have reached the Cadet Officer level), and sustain a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
The application process usually opens around late fall and requires you to fill out an application form available on the CAP Scholarship webpage. Other documents you will need to provide include transcripts, letters of recommendations, and SAT/ACT results (if applicable). You might also be asked to write an essay outlining your future plans related to the scholarship's intended use.
As for tips, past recipients have stressed the importance of displaying a high level of commitment to the program while also excelling academically. It's a good idea to highlight your personal growth and achievements in the CAP, as well as your dedication to aligning with the organization's goals. Furthermore, having strong recommendation letters from your squadron commanders or mentors within CAP could prove beneficial.
Good luck with your application!
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