The scholarship program was introduced in 2005 as a way for GEBA to give back to our members. Since its inception, the GEBA Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $280,000 in merit-based financial scholarships to eligible GEBA members and their families to help them better afford their pursuit of a post high school education. We at GEBA understand the rising costs of higher education and the competition for scholarships. With the GEBA Scholarship Foundation, we hope to lighten the financial burden to allow students to concentrate fully on their studies.

2012-2013 Scholarships:

We will be awarding up to 25 scholarships - each worth $2,000.
Last year, we had 111 applicants and awarded 22 scholarships.

GEBA Member Eligibility:

To sponsor yourself or an eligible family member (i.e. spouse, child, step-child, grandchild, or step-grandchild) for the  GEBA Foundation Scholarship, you must have been a current member who has an active GEBA or GEMBA plan in effect since December 31, 2008.

Applicant Eligibility: 

• GEBA Foundation Scholarships will be available for those who attend, or will attend an accredited post-secondary educational institution (including trade and vocational schools) offering credit towards a bachelor's degree, associate's degree, professional degree, or other recoginzed post-secondary credentials.
• Scholarships are available for full-time students only, as defined by the school.
  
• Previous scholarship recipients may reapply each year, for a maximum of 4 years of benefits.
  
• Applicants are only eligible to receive one scholarship from the GEBA Scholarship Foundation per year.
  
• Scholarship money will be awarded to the student for tuition, fees or college-sponsored room and board costs.

GEBA's scholarships will be awarded on competitive performance in the chosen category:  Academic, Community, or Vocational. 

• Academic - In this highly competitive category, applicants compete on the basis of academic performance and progress toward stated goals. These are evidenced in transcripts, standardized tests, references, actions outside the classroom, and a clearly articulated message of educational plans.;
• Community - The Community Scholarship recognizes students whose outstanding contributions in the community are a part of their overall plan for success. Community Scholars demonstrate solid academic performance while also exhibiting accomplishment and leadership in their extracurricular activities or community service.; and
• Vocational/Trade School - Candidates for the Vocational Scholarship are engaging in a vocational school or an associates’ degree program that results in a terminal degree leading directly to a career path. Students compete on the totality of their academic records, their extracurricular and work experience, and demonstrated commitment to their goals.

How to Apply:

1. Download one of the 2012-2013 scholarship applications located on the right side of the page. Be sure to download the application in the category for which the applicant is applying. You can also stop by the GEBA office to pick one up, or call (800) 826-1126 to have one mailed or faxed to you. 
2. Completed applications can be submitted the following ways:
   

   ▪	Applications can be hand delivered to the GEBA office by 4:00 pm on Friday, March 30, 2012. Active badge required.
   ▪	Applications can be emailed to geba@geba.com or faxed to (301) 688-6694 by March 31, 2012.
   ▪	Applications can be postmarked by March 31, 2012 and mailed* to:
   	GEBA Scholarship Foundation, Inc.           P.O. Box 206           Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

Judging Party:

As in previous years, a third party company, College Money handles the judging of the GEBA Scholarship Foundation applicants.


*Please note that the application should be mailed via USPS or UPS. USPS does not accept FedEx shipments.