GEBA Merit-Based Scholarships

GEBA offers merit-based financial scholarships to help deserving and diverse students pursue higher education. Since inception in 2005, the program has awarded 595 scholarships totaling $1,375,500.

Award Details:

• Up to 20 merit-based scholarships for 2026/2027
• Each scholarship valued at $5,000
• Merit-based awards (non-need-based)

Geographic Scope: United States (federal employees and military families)

Eligibility:

• Must be sponsored by themselves or an eligible family member (parent, stepparent, grandparent, or step-grandparent)
• Sponsor must be a GEBA core member (active or retired federal employee or military)
• Sponsor must have an active GEBA or GEMBA Wealth Management plan in effect for at least 3 years (since December 31, 2022 or earlier)
• Must be a full-time student
• Must attend or will attend an accredited educational institution offering credit towards recognized post-secondary degrees and credentials
• Can only apply for one scholarship from GEBA per year
• Previous winners are ineligible (one-time award only)

Award Categories (applicant selects one):

1. Academic - Compete primarily on academic performance, transcripts, extracurricular activities, and clearly articulated educational plans
2. Community - Demonstrate initiative, accomplishments, and leadership in extracurricular activities and/or community service with solid academic performance
3. Career Training - For vocational school or associate's degree programs leading directly to career (e.g., X-ray technician, cosmetologist, computer-aided drafting). Evaluated on academic records, extracurricular and work experience, and demonstrated commitment to goals

Selection Process:

• Administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS)
• ISTS selects all recipients
• Essays evaluated on personal insights, originality/creativity, and authenticity
• AI-generated submissions may result in disqualification

Background:

• GEBA is a not-for-profit benefit association founded by NSA employees
• Membership is free and open to all federal employees and retirees, military personnel (active duty, retired, disabled, veterans), and their families

Contact Information:

• Phone: (410) 657-8060 or (800) 826-1126
• Email: [email protected]
• Hours: M-F 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM ET
• Address: 1362 Mellon Road, #100, Hanover, MD 21076
• Fax: (410) 846-6420

Additional Benefits:

• ISTS has negotiated tuition discounts at 40+ colleges and universities (10%-40% off published rates)
• Access through applyists.com/tuition-discount-network

How to Apply for GEBA Scholarships

Application Timeline:

• Applications open: January 1 (or January 5 for 2026/2027 cycle)
• Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time Zone

Application Process:

1. Access Application Portal
   • Visit GEBA Scholarship Application Site
   • Applications administered through International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS)
   • Note: Application site may be temporarily down; check back for updates
2. Select Award Category
   • Academic scholarship (merit/academic performance-based)
   • Community scholarship (extracurricular/community service-based)
   • Career Training scholarship (vocational/associate degree programs)
   • Can only apply for ONE category per year
3. Provide Required Information
   • Student information and contact details
   • Sponsoring GEBA member information
   • Verification that sponsor has active GEBA/GEMBA plan for 3+ years
   • Educational institution information
   • Academic transcripts
4. Submit Essays
   • Essays will be evaluated on:
   • Personal insights and originality/creativity
   • Authenticity of writing
   • Important: Do not use generative AI tools (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, etc.)
   • AI-generated submissions may result in disqualification
5. Application Review
   • ISTS manages selection process for complete impartiality
   • ISTS selects scholarship recipients

Submission Format:

• Online through ISTS portal at applyists.com

Contact for Questions:

• Phone: (410) 657-8060 or (800) 826-1126
• Email: [email protected]
• Available M-F 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM ET