DAYTON-WRIGHT AFCEA EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH, SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

Education is an AFCEA core value. The Dayton–Wright Chapter of AFCEA, in partnership with the AFCEA Educational Foundation, presents an average of $35,000 annually in scholarships, grants, and awards to students and teachers in K-12 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and Cyber related programs, ROTC programs, traditional university degree programs, professional development and other educational areas. The following are some of the many ways the Dayton-Wright AFCEA Chapter supports the community and ways qualified candidates can apply for them.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

General Janet C. Wolfenbarger Scholarship

The General Janet C. Wolfenbarger scholarship was established in recognition of the general’s life-long contributions to the United States and the U.S. Air Force. A true STEM champion, exceptional leader, and graduate of Beavercreek High School, this scholarship is designed to honor General Wolfenbarger's legacy by being awarded to a local student with leadership and community service qualities seeking to further their education in a STEM related field. As the General was the first woman to achieve the rank of four-star general in the Air Force, preferences will be given to female students with an association (parent or guardian of a civilian employee, military or contractor) of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and/or that attended or are attending Beavercreek High School. Candidates must be a US citizen, seeking a STEM-related degree from an accredited secondary institution, exhibit strong leadership skills, demonstrated community service/involvement, and have maintained an overall GPA of at least 3.3 in high school or college. Awardees will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Go to the Dayton-Wright AFCEA Chapter Janet C. Wolfenbarger Scholarship Application page to apply.  Applications will be accepted between January and May, 2024 for the '24-'25 Academic Year.

Congratulations to the 2023 Award Recipients: 

Daniel J. Curtis Memorial Scholarship

The Daniel J. Curtis Memorial Scholarship was established to celebrate the significant volunteer contributions Dan Curtis made to the Dayton-Wright AFCEA Chapter and his strong advocacy of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base community.  Dan’s service to the Dayton area started in high school when he was elected class president of Wayne High School.  Leveraging his patriotic passion and Political Science education, Dan became a legislative aide and an executive assistant in the Ohio House early in his career.  Dan served 16 years with the U.S. Air Force and 32 years working with various private sector, nonprofit and governmental organizations to improve his community and the nation. Dan was an active member of the Dayton-Wright AFCEA chapter serving in various capacities including Chapter President.  The Chapter honors his legacy by awarding a scholarship in his name to a student who has shown a desire to serve their community. Preferences will be given to students that attended or are attending Wayne High School. Candidates must be a US citizen, have demonstrated community service and involvement, exhibit leadership skills, and have maintained an overall GPA of at least 3.3 in high school or college. Awardees will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Go to the Daniel J. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Application page to apply.  Applications will be accepted between January and May, 2024 for the '24-'25 Academic Year.

Congratulations to the 2023 Award Recipients:

• Matthew Mercier from Tuscarawas High School attending Wright State University
• Raelee Lance from Wayne High School attending Purdue University
• Grace Muriithi from Centerville High School attending Duke University
• Brandon Vu from Wayne High School attending Miami University

CyberPatriot Scholarship

CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air Force Association to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other STEM disciplines critical to our nation's future. ​At the core of the program is the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, the nation's largest cyber defense competition that puts high school and middle school students in charge of securing virtual networks. The Dayton-Wright AFCEA chapter honors previous participants of the CyberPatriot program by offering a scholarship to a local student who has participated in the CyberPatriot competition at the high school level and has shown a desire to pursue a STEM related career fields. Awardees will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Go to the CyberPatriot Scholarship Application page to apply. Applications will be accepted between January and May, 2024 for the '24-'25 Academic Year.

Undergraduate Scholarships

The Dayton-Wright AFCEA chapter awards multiple $1500 scholarships annually to local Miami Valley college and university students studying STEM related subjects. Candidates must be US citizens, currently enrolled in and completed at least 12 credit hours at a local accredited college or university and be pursing a STEM related major.  Preferences are given to members or dependents of an AFCEA member and to students who demonstrate a financial need. Each awardee will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Go to the Undergraduate Scholarships Application page to apply. Applications will be accepted between January and May, 2024 for the '24-'25 Academic Year.

Congratulations to the 2023 Award Recipients:

• Kyle Rosenburg from Bishop Fenwick High School attending the Ohio State University
• Colin Thomas from Milton-Union High School attending Sinclair Community College
• Brandon Vu from Wayne High School attending Miami University
• Matthew Mercier from Tuscarawas High School attending Wright State University
• Grace Muriithi from Centerville High School attending Duke University
• Diana Johnson from Milton-Union High School attending Wright-State University

ROTC Scholarships

The Dayton-Wright AFCEA chapter provides funding to the Wright State University Air Force ROTC Detachment 643rd to distribute scholarships to qualifying cadets enrolled in the ROTC program in Miami Valley Universities.  Qualifying candidates must be a US citizen, have a cumulative GPA or 2.5 or higher, are in the Top 50% of their class, and have a demonstrated financial need. Typical candidates are enrolled in a local accredited college or university pursing a STEM related major and/or Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC).  For more information, contact us at education.dwafcea@gmail.com.

AFCEA International Educational Foundation and Chapter Scholarships

Many of AFCEA International’s chapters provide scholarships, grants and tuition assistance for aspiring engineers, technicians, programmers, military personnel and government officials. Financial assistance is made available for students living or attending school within each chapter's local community.  Click here to learn more.