AFA Scholarships
Many of our nation’s Airmen, Guardians, and their spouses and families are on missions to complete higher education degrees. For years, the Air & Space Forces Association has funded those efforts as part of its own mission to support and encourage the prosperity of our nation’s Air & Space Force community.
In 2025, AFA contributed more than $110,000 to Airmen, Guardians, their spouses, and their children through 11 unique scholarships. The scholarships help fund college tuition, flight school, dental school, Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings, and even full rides to certain universities.
Applications are accepted December 1 to April 30 each year. Selections will be announced in July.
“As a new [NCO] in the U.S. Air Force, receiving this award is a huge honor and a meaningful recognition of my personal and professional development.”
—Ling Yu, 2025 recipient of the Capt Jodi Callahan Memorial Scholarship
“This award is helping me complete the final four courses of my Master’s in Organizational Leadership and will allow me to transition directly into a doctoral program without delay.”
—Aimee Inman, 2025 recipient of the Col. Loren J. and Mrs. Lawona R. Spencer Scholarship
Colonel Aaron Burgstein Memorial Scholarship
Provides $1,000 annually to minor dependents of Active, Guard, Reserve, veteran, or retired members of any service branch pursuing a degree at an accredited college or university.
Captain Jodi Callahan Memorial Scholarship
Provides $3,000 to USAF/USSF Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve personnel pursuing a master’s degree in a non-technical field.
Lt. Col. Romeo and Josephine Bass Ferretti Scholarship
Provides $5,000 to minor dependents of Air and Space Forces Active Duty, Reserve, or Air National Guard enlisted Airmen pursuing an undergraduate STEM degree.
Mike & Gail Donley Spouse Scholarships
Provides $2,500 annually to encourage Air Force or Space Force spouses worldwide to pursue higher education.
Col. Loren J. and Mrs. Lawona R. Spencer Scholarship
Provides three $5,000 scholarships for Air Force personnel (Active Duty, civilian, or full-time National Guard or Reserve) to pursue graduate-level education in management and administration in preparation for senior-level leadership roles.
John C. and Blanche Lee Lindsay Memorial Scholarship
Provides one $2,500 scholarship to a child of members of the United States Air Force who is pursuing a college degree.
Delta Dental Grants
Provides five $2,000 scholarships and grants to military spouses, military dependents, and transitioning service members for the advancement of oral health and wellness.
Dr. Sydell Perlmutter Gold Memorial Scholarship
Provides a renewable $5,000 annual scholarship (for a total possible award of $20,000) to the daughter of Active, Guard, or Reserve Air Force members pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.
Destin Flight Works Pilot Training Scholarship
Funded by Vertol Systems Company, Inc., this program provides one AFA member per year up to $10,000 toward pilot training courses, instructor fees, and aircraft rental, leading to a private pilot’s license at the Destin Flight Works school in Destin, Fla.
The George and Vicki Muellner Foundation Scholarship
Created through a generous contribution by the George and Vicki Muellner Foundation, two scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each are awarded annually to eligible college students in Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings (AAS-SW). Applications are accepted September through November each academic year.
More information can be found at www.aas-sw.org under Academic Scholarships and questions may be directed to the AAS-SW Executive Management Center at mgmt.center@arnold-air.org.
Testimonials
“This award is helping me complete the final four courses of my Master’s in Organizational Leadership and will allow me to transition directly into a doctoral program without delay. It also gives me the resources to pursue additional leadership development opportunities that support my continued growth and advancement in service to the Air Force.” — Aimee Inman, 2025 recipient of the Col. Loren J. and Mrs. Lawona R. Spencer Scholarship
“I am truly grateful to the Air & Space Forces Association and the Donley family for supporting military spouses in their educational goals. This scholarship provides more than financial assistance—it’s a reminder that my efforts are valued and recognized, which motivates me to keep going.” —Jooyeon Jung, 2025 recipient of the Mike and Gail Donley Spouse Scholarship
“As a new Non-Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Air Force, receiving this award is a huge honor and a meaningful recognition of my personal and professional development. This scholarship will not only support my higher education, helping me build the skills, but also motivate me to lead by example and contribute to the mission at a higher level. It eased our financial stress and gave me the peace of mind to focus on my goals with gratitude. Thank you to the Air & Space Force Association for your generous support and unwavering commitment to developing today’s Airmen.” — Ling Yu, 2025 recipient of the Capt. Jodi Callahan Memorial Scholarship