$10,000 for Military Spouse from the Orange Honors Scholarship

Calling all spouses of active duty and active reservists, this is your chance to win a $10,000 scholarship for school. Entries must be received by July 3,2012 by submitting an essay between 750-1250 words describing how earning a college degree would have a positive impact on the candidate’s life.  The essay must be entirely original work and must mention what subject area the candidate is planning to study and how he or she plans on using the degree obtained. Essays will be reviewed by our selection committee consisting of Babette Maxwell, Co-founder and Executive Editor of Military Spouse magazine, Bianca Strzalkowski, 2011 Military Spouse of the Year and Melissa Rayworth, Managing Editor of Military Spouse magazine.

Looking for other scholarship opportunities? Click to view USMC Life’s comprehensive list of Marine Corps and military scholarships. 

The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, is teaming up with Military Spouse Magazine for the very first Orange Honors Scholarship award as the education sponsor. The Home Depot will award a deserving candidate or “Orange Honor” a significant scholarship toward the pursuit of his or her college degree.

Ten finalists will be chosen and then submitted to The Home Depot for final selection of the winner. To be considered for this scholarship, candidates must be the spouse of an active duty service member or the spouse of an active Reservist. There is no restriction on the rank of the spouse. Applicants must be already enrolled in school or accepted to be enrolled by the spring semester of 2013.The winner will receive $10,000 toward tuition paid directly to their school’s financial department.

Military spouse higher education has been a complicated struggle for years. Bianca Strzalkowski, 2011 Military Spouse of the Year, has spearheaded an education initiative for military spouses nationwide. “As a military spouse who has struggled to complete a degree around the obstacles of military life, I know firsthand the challenges in finding viable financial aid options. In response to my experience I created the Military Spouse Education Initiative in hopes of expanding funding options and a program for spouses that adapts to the unique military lifestyle. Currently, over 1.1 million men and women wear the title of military spouse, all of whom should have the same chance at accomplishing their American dream as our brave service members.”

As an organization, The Home Depot understands the value of education and the opportunities it presents, especially for those in military families. This sponsorship is one of countless generous gifts from The Home Depot.

Chris Hale, Military Spouse Chairman and NaVOBA President said, “The Home Depot’s support of education initiatives for military spouses is another great example of their long-standing support of the people who serve in our military and their families. The Home Depot is a Military-Friendly Employer®, buys from veteran-owned businesses and offers a military discount. They do this because it makes good business sense.”