Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program
The Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program is a need-based scholarship program established to assist Army spouses in obtaining an undergraduate degree or similar professional certification. The program was named after Mrs. Shinseki in December 2019.
Mrs. Shinseki, an Army spouse for over 50 years, is a strong supporter of military spouse education and other military family programs. She served as a member of the AER Board of Managers for 20 years. Mrs. Shinseki is married to retired Gen. Eric Shinseki, who served as the seventh United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2009 to 2014. His final post in the U.S. Army was as the 34th Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1999 to 2003.
Mrs. Shinseki’s lifetime of service and dedication to military Families has inspired countless individuals.
Scholarship Details
Applicants may receive assistance for up to four academic years of full-time study or eight academic years of part-time study. Applicants must re-apply each year. Spouses may apply year-round.
Award amounts vary each year depending on the:
- Number of applicants
- Total approved scholarship budget
- Applicant’s Expected Family Contribution (per Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Average cost of attendance to attend a college or university in the United States (per College Board)
REVIEW DOCUMENTS AND APPLY
All applicants must read the corresponding Program Guidelines and FAFSA instructions, found in the links below, prior to applying for the Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program.
The link to submit applications can be found in Program Guidelines.
2022-2023 FAFSA Instructions for Spouses
2022-2023 Mrs Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program Guidelines
2023-2024 FAFSA Instructions for Spouses
2023-2024 Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program Guidelines
“Without the support from AER, I would have had to take out student loans. I couldn’t be more appreciative of the help I’ve received. Thank you, AER, for helping me to become what I always knew I wanted to be!”
—Jessica, Shinseki scholarship recipient and future pediatric nurse