PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Air Force Aid Society is providing $250 for virtual schooling costs to qualifying military members and retirees.
The grants became available Sept. 1, 2020 through the AFAS website.
"The Air Force Aid Society recognizes that many have faced extra expenses from school closings due to COVID-19, and parents are now managing the educational needs of their children through virtual school programs,” said Kevin Kessell, Peterson-Schriever Garrison community readiness consultant. “Thanks to the generosity of donations, we can assist those who are eligible with this grant.”
The grant is available to active duty Airmen, AF Reserve on continuous active duty orders for more than 15 days under Title 10, Air National Guard (Full-Time, Title 32, 502(f) only), and retirees and widow(er)s with dependent(s) listed in DEERS in grade K-12.
“The application process was very easy, you just had to go to the website and fill out a simple form,” said Tawnie Rodriguez, 21st Comptroller Squadron unit training manager. “I heard back very quickly.”
Rodriguez said that the grant was able to help with some unexpected purchases that online schooling has thrown at parents.
“I was able to use my grant towards purchasing laptops for my two kids to use for school,” said Rodriguez, “which was extremely helpful, especially for a single mom like myself.”
According to Kessell, Peterson AFB has already received $25,000 in Virtual Schooling Grants. Schriever AFB has received $19,250 for 77 families according to Lenea Lance, 50th Force Support Squadron personal financial readiness manager. There is only a limited amount of money available.
"Once the money is gone, so is the Virtual Schooling Grant," said Kessell.
To apply for the grant, go to www.AFAS.org and fill out the application. For any questions about the VSG please call the Airman & Family Readiness Center at Peterson (719) 556-6141l; at Schriever (719) 567-3920; or email virtual.schooling@afas-hq.org.