Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point -- A college education can open many doors to success in life. But financial concerns can sometimes make it difficult.
Cherry Point’s Officers’ Spouses Club has committed itself to making college a reality for members of the Cherry Point community.
The club is currently accepting applications for both college scholarships and financial assistance until March 31. Over the past three years, the club has provided about $85,000 in scholarships and assistance.
“We really want to help our own at Cherry Point,” said Jessi J. Holland, the Cherry Point OSC president.
Applicants must be local dependents of an active duty or retired service member attached to the air station, explained Holland.
Applications are welcomed from high school seniors, current undergraduate full-time students and non-traditional students, such as military spouses seeking to return to school, said Holland.
“We’ve given scholarships to kids attending school all the way in Texas and Oklahoma, as well as local community colleges,” said Holland.
Once all applications have been received, they will be reviewed by a scholarship committee. The committee will then review each application and rank applicants according to categories including academic accolades, extracurricular activities and financial need.
“We look at the grades, but that’s not the sole factor,” said Holland. “We also look at the person and their true need for it.”
Scholarships are intended for use to offset tuition and book costs. Funds are sent directly to the recipient’s school of choice. If the student decides not to use the scholarship, money is returned to the club so it can be used by another recipient.
Scholarship recipients will be announced in early May at the club’s annual reception.
Cherry Point’s Officers’ Spouses Club scholarship program has been in place for more than ten years, and numerous outlets are used to raise funds. Dues paid by OSC members as well as profits made by the Whistle Stop Thrift Shop or Treasures of the Point consignment store are the primary fundraisers, Holland said.
For more information on the Officers’ Spouses Club Scholarship, visit the club’s Web site at http://www.cherrypointosc.org, or call the Whistle Stop Thrift Shop at 444-0949.