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GEBA Merit-Based Scholarships

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES' BENEFIT

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Funding Amount

$5,000

Deadline

March 31, 2027

325 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

GEBA Merit-Based Scholarships

Funder: Government Employees' Benefit Association (GEBA)

Status: Active for 2026/2027 academic year

Overview: 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

  • Operating since 1957, supporting federal employees with insurance and benefits

  • 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

    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

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