Spouse scholarship available now Published March 4, 2014 By Staff Reports 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Air Force spouses may now apply for a $2,500 scholarship. The Air Force Association's Mike and Gail Donley Spouse Scholarship is designed to encourage Air Force spouses worldwide to seek associate, bachelor, graduate or postgraduate degrees. The AFA named the scholarship after the Donleys to honor their support of the Air Force family. Michael Donley served as the 22nd Secretary of the Air Force with more than 30 years of federal service. Guidelines - The applicant must be a spouse of an Air Force active-duty, Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve. Spouses who also serve in the military are ineligible. - The applicant must include an official, original version of his or her transcript verifying a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher. The transcript must have the student's name and prove he or she is enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours for undergraduate study or three credit hours for graduate study. The applicant must currently be enrolled in a degree program, and if not, the applicant must include a letter from a university or college that confirms the intent to carry the required hours in the fall. - If applicants have no prior college experience, they must include proof of acceptance into an accredited college or university. The acceptance letter must be an original letter on college stationery from the admissions office or registrar. - In a two-page, double-spaced essay, the applicant must describe academic and career goals and the motivation which led to the decision to strive for a degree. Also, the essay must include how Air Force involvement or local community activities applicants are currently involved in will enhance their goals. - Two signed letters of recommendation should be character references and descriptions of performance and potential as a student, employee or volunteer. The two letters must be from different sources and can be written by professors, employers or volunteer organizations. The applicant may also request a letter for the local AFA chapter. - A photo of the applicant must be included, and the AFA staff prefers a head shot. The photo and portions of the essay may be included in future AFA publications. - The AFA committee must receive the complete application package no later than April 30, 2014. Incomplete applications will not be considered. - A feedback form will be sent to the recipients with their scholarship check and is required to be returned no later than six months after the award is earned. - Scholarships are awarded in June and are not renewable -- prior recipients cannot be considered again. - The scholarship check will be sent to the recipient in September. - The winners of the scholarship may only use the money to pay for any reasonable cost related to pursuing a degree. This includes transactions such as tuition, books, transportation and childcare. Click to access the Application Form.