GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES' BENEFIT logo

Member Educational Award Program (MEAP)

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES' BENEFIT

Foundation Annual
Apply Now

Funding Amount

$5,000

Deadline

March 31, 2027

327 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Member Educational Award Program (MEAP)

Funder: Government Employees' Benefit Association (GEBA)

Status: Active for 2026/2027 academic year

Overview: MEAP provides educational assistance to GEBA members pursuing part-time education or paying off student loan debt. Designed for working full-time members who are funding their own education. Since inception in 2013, the program has awarded $166,500 to 78 members.

Award Details:

  • Up to 5 MEAP awards for 2026/2027

  • Each award valued at $5,000

  • Member-only benefit (family members not eligible)

    • Geographic Scope: United States (federal employees and military only)

    Eligibility - Member Requirements:

  • Must be active or retired federal employee or military member

  • Must be a current GEBA, GEMBA, or Wealth Management plan participant consecutively for at least 1 year (since December 31, 2024 or earlier)

  • Must be a full-time employee with at least 1 year of federal or military employment

  • Family members are NOT eligible for MEAP (family members may apply for standard scholarships)

  • Must not be a prior Scholarship or MEAP recipient

    • Eligible Uses (applicant selects one):

    1. Student Loan Forgiveness
    - Must have student loan debt in applicant's name from their own education
    - Loans must be with a financial institution or government lender
    - Award paid directly to lender
    - Awards may be taxable to recipient (consult tax advisor)

    2. College or Graduate Level Courses
    - Must be pursuing an accredited degree program on a part-time basis
    - Part-time defined as 3-11 credit hours per semester
    - Award used for tuition or fees
    - Paid directly to institution

    Selection Process:

  • Administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS)

  • ISTS selects all recipients

  • Short 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 federal employees and retirees, military personnel (active duty, retired, disabled, veterans), and 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

    • How to Apply

    How to Apply for MEAP

    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 Member Educational Award Program (MEAP) Application Site
    - Applications administered through International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS)
    - Note: Application site may be temporarily down; check back for updates

    2. Verify Eligibility
    - Confirm active GEBA/GEMBA/Wealth Management plan for 1+ consecutive years
    - Confirm full-time federal or military employment for 1+ years
    - Confirm not a prior Scholarship or MEAP recipient
    - Confirm GEBA core member status (not family member)

    3. Select Award Use
    - Student Loan Forgiveness (pay down existing student loan debt)
    - College or Graduate Level Courses (part-time education, 3-11 credit hours/semester)

    4. Provide Required Information
    - Member identification and contact details
    - Employment information (federal or military)
    - GEBA plan details and enrollment date
    - For loan forgiveness: Lender name, loan details, outstanding balance
    - For courses: Institution name, program details, course load (credit hours)
    - Documentation of student loan debt or course enrollment

    5. Submit Short Essays
    - Short essay responses required
    - 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

    6. Application Review
    - ISTS manages selection process for complete impartiality
    - ISTS selects all 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

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Ready to apply for Member Educational Award Program (MEAP)?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more