Scholarships That Honor Service
FCEF proudly supports the military community through our scholarship programs. Scholarships are available for service members, veterans, and their families seeking associate, undergraduate, graduate degrees, or vocational degrees. In addition to our scholarships, we partner with organizations across the country to provide scholarships to deserving students. With the help of our generous donors, FCEF has awarded over $5.6 million in college scholarships!
Carroll H. Payne Memorial Scholarship
Who is it for?
Military Family Members and Military Affiliated Organizations
About Scholarship
The Carroll H. Payne (CHP) Memorial Scholarship is FCEF’s flagship scholarship program. Created in 2005 by the Payne family to honor the legacy of Carroll H. Payne, founder of First Command Financial Services. Their generous $500,000 gift enabled FCEF to expand scholarship opportunities for military families nationwide.
The CHP Scholarship is built through partnerships with military-affiliated organizations, working alongside FCFS advisors and community groups to increase local scholarship access. FCEF proudly collaborates with organizations such as the Monterey Bay Spouses Club, the East Bay Coast Guard Spouses Club, and the Military Spouses of Newport.
How to become a partner
Interested in partnering with FCEF?
2025 CHP Scholarship PArtners
Impact Spotlight: Jennifer Barnhill (Military Spouse Scholarship Recipient, 2020)
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Barnhill. Since earning her scholarship, Jennifer has completed a master’s degree, had her work cited by the White House, been featured by UNC, been invited to become a Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program Scholar, and been named the 2025 Armed Forces Insurance Navy Spouse of the Year.
Military Spouse Scholarship
Who is it for?
Military Spouses
About Scholarship
Military spouses make unique sacrifices for their families. They often put their education, careers, and goals on hold due to the demands of supporting their spouses’ service to our country, including frequent relocations and deployments.
What it funds: “GED to PhD” — traditional college/graduate programs, vocational/trade school, continuing education certifications, and GED programs.
Award amounts: FCEF seeks to award $25,000 per year in military spouse scholarships.
How to apply
Eligible candidates may submit their applications directly to FCEF. The application period is from October 1 – 31.
Jay Smith Scholarship and Excellence Fund
Who is it for?
AFROTC Cadets
About Scholarship
The Lt. Paul J. Smith Memorial Scholarship is an endowment created by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Paul and Susan Smith after the tragic death of their son, Paul “Jay” Smith, 1st LT., USAF, in the ValuJet Flight 592 crash on May 11, 1996. This endowment serves to celebrate his life and their love for him, and to honor his unselfish, loving nature.
How to apply
Commanders nominate their most eligible cadets for this scholarship. All nominated cadets are reviewed by a selection board.
M. Alice Konecny Memorial Endowment
Who is it for?
Tamaqua Area High School Seniors (Tamaqua, Pennsylvania)
About Scholarship
Tony and Corinne Konecny established this endowment in 2011 to honor Tony’s mother, Alice Konecny. Alice was a dedicated nurse and active within her community. The M. Alice Konecny Scholarship is a private scholarship available to students attending Tamaqua Area High School.
How to apply
North Texas Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders Scholarship (NTAGGL)
Who is it for?
North Texas High School Seniors and College Students
About Scholarship
NTAGGL is an association of lending professionals and support organizations that utilize the guarantee programs of the Small Business Administration. Their mission is “to serve and support the small business lending community of North Texas by partnering with government agencies and their affiliates to further provide training and networking through our associated membership.”
How to apply
Established in 2013, after two years of a scholarship partnership with FCEF, NTAGGL created its scholarship endowment to continue their commitment to those seeking higher education. For more information about NTAGGL scholarships or to apply, visit www.ntaggl.org.
Dallas T. Lower Memorial Endowment
Who is it for?
First Command Financial Services Advisors and Field Staff
About Scholarship
In 2009, Diane Lower and her family created an endowment honoring the memory of her husband, Dallas Lower, and his commitment to the mentorship of financial advisors and field staff. This scholarship is specifically for First Command Financial Services Advisors and Field Support Staff pursuing professional degrees and designations.
How to apply
Sid Oaksmith ’77 Memorial Scholarship
Who is it for?
Students at Virginia Tech University (Blacksburg, Virginia)
About Scholarship
Sidney Oaksmith, a retired U.S. Army, COL, graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery, where he served for over 26 years. After retiring from the U.S. Army, COL (Ret.) Oaksmith embarked on a civilian career that culminated as a financial advisor with First Command Financial Services, where he was dedicated to guiding others toward long-term financial confidence and stability. Upon his death in October 2014, his wife, Becky, and his daughter, Gretchen Butler, established a scholarship in Sid’s name to honor his life of service.
How to apply
This $2,000 scholarship is available to students at Virginia Tech. Awards are made under Virginia Tech’s Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid policies. For more information, visit vt.academicworks.com
Melissa Beyland Cheer Scholarship
Who is it for?
Centerville High School Seniors (Centerville, Ohio)
About Scholarship
The Melissa Beyland Cheer Scholarship was created in 2017 by her husband, Bryan, and their daughter, Hadley, to honor Melissa and her love for Hadley’s cheer program. Melissa was an active member in each of her daughter’s Cheer Organizations. She treated all the girls from cheer and her daughter’s friends as if they were her own. This scholarship carries on her legacy of love and friendship for others.
How to apply
The Melissa Beyland Cheer Scholarship is only available to seniors at Centerville High School in Centerville, OH.
Holman Family Excellence in Service Scholarship
Who is it for?
Students at Western Illinois University (Macomb, Illinois)
About Scholarship
The Holman Family Excellence in Service Scholarship was created by Vincent Holman, Sr., and Constance Gore-Holman, to honor the life and memory of Sergeant Major (Ret.) Donald Matthews Holman, his wife, Ora Lee Vaughn-Holman, and the Holman family’s belief in faith, lifelong learning, and selfless community service. The Holman family’s partnership with First Command Educational Foundation and an endowment from Ora Lee Holman make the fulfillment of this memorial scholarship possible.
Eligibility/Criteria
- African American
- Currently enrolled at Western Illinois University
- Students must have at least a 3.0 grade-point average (or equivalent)
- Must demonstrate an active role in community faith-based organization(s)
- Must be active in school or community sports
Application Requirements
- Completed and signed application
- Personal biography, 250 words
- Short essay, 750-1500 words
- Three (3) letters of recommendation from either clergy, teacher, coach, or work supervisor
How to apply
The scholarship is available to students attending Western Illinois University pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Applications may be submitted from February 7 to April 15. Applications submitted outside the application window will not be considered. Interested applicants can apply here.
Frequently Asked Questions
