Member Educational Award Program (MEAP)

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
• 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 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