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The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) offers scholarship programs to support students who are dependents of U.S. government Foreign Service employees. If you're a student planning to apply for financial aid through AFSA and need details on eligibility or the application process, this article will guide you through the requirements and different award types available.

What is the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)?

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), established in 1924, is the professional association of the United States Foreign Service. With over 13,000 dues-paying members, AFSA represents approximately 26,000 active and retired Foreign Service employees from the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and smaller groups within the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), U.S. Commercial Service (CS), and the U.S. Agency for Global Media (formerly the Broadcasting Board of Governors, IBB).

AFSA's primary missions include:

• Enhancing the effectiveness of the Foreign Service.
• Protecting the professional interests of its members.
• Ensuring high professional standards for both career diplomats and political appointees.
• Promoting understanding of the critical role the Foreign Service plays in advancing America's national security and economic prosperity.

Originally founded in 1918 as the American Consular Association, it reconstituted itself as AFSA in 1924 when the Consular Corps merged with the Diplomatic Corps to form the Foreign Service of the United States. From its inception, AFSA has fostered an "esprit de corps" among Foreign Service members, publishing the Foreign Service Journal, hosting speakers, and commissioning studies on professional issues.

What Services Does AFSA Provide to its Members?

Over the years, AFSA has significantly expanded its services to members. These include:

• Specialized insurance programs tailored for the Foreign Service.
• A Scholarship Program for Foreign Service dependents.
• A speaker's bureau.
• Additional member benefits.

In 1968, AFSA moved its offices and opened the Foreign Service Club for members. AFSA also serves as the sole bargaining agent for Foreign Service employees of the Department of State, USAID, FAS, CS, and IBB. In this capacity, AFSA negotiates with the management of principal foreign-affairs agencies on personnel policies and practices affecting members' working conditions. It also represents members in formal grievance proceedings, Office of Security and Inspector General investigations, and EEO cases, while providing informal assistance with administrative issues.

Concerns of Foreign Service retirees are an integral part of AFSA's agenda. AFSA collaborates closely with retired Foreign Service personnel on legislative issues related to retiree pensions and benefits. Retirees, both individually and through independent groups nationwide, actively promote the Foreign Service and international engagement within their communities.

To explain the Foreign Service's role and build support for its activities, AFSA operates a speaker's bureau, making experienced diplomats available to speak to various groups across the country. Under the Elderhostel organization's umbrella, AFSA members organize ongoing educational programs about the Foreign Service. AFSA's corporate affiliates group, the International Associates, fosters dialogue between the U.S. international business community and the Foreign Service and foreign affairs agencies.

Who is Eligible for AFSA Scholarship Programs?

To be eligible for any AFSA Scholarship Program, students must demonstrate they are dependents, as shown on the most recent IRS tax form, of a U.S. government Foreign Service employee. This employee must be active, retired with a pension, deceased, or separated, and must have worked at least one year abroad with a foreign affairs agency as defined by the Foreign Service Act of 1980.

Key details about eligibility and application:

• Applicants must reapply each year for AFSA Financial Aid Scholarships.
• AFSA Merit Awards (Art and Academic) are one-time prizes.
• AFSA Financial Aid Scholarships are intended as supplementary aid to college assistance and cannot reduce university scholarships or grants.
• Award winners are required to write a thank-you note to their scholarship donor or contact.
• Students may apply for all three AFSA scholarship programs if they meet the respective eligibility requirements.

How Do AFSA Merit Awards Work?

AFSA Merit Awards are open only to high school seniors who are dependents of Foreign Service employees. These are one-time awards. Winners typically receive awards (e.g., $1500), and "Honorable Mention" winners receive smaller awards (e.g., $500). Please note that current award amounts may vary, so it's always best to check the official AFSA website for the most up-to-date figures.

Among Academic Merit applicants, additional awards for "best essay" and "community service" are given to deserving students.

Judging Procedures

The judging process involves approximately 16 judges: 12 for Academic Merit and 4 for Art Merit. Members of the AFSA Committee on Education serve as judges, along with others connected to the Foreign Service community. To ensure continuity in scoring, about two-thirds of the judges are returning members each year. For the Art Merit Competition, all judges possess expertise in at least one of the four art categories: dance, musical arts, visual arts, or creative writing. The Committee on Education reviews the weight and points assigned to each criterion annually.

Award Timelines

• Academic Merit Awards are typically announced at the beginning of May.
• Financial Aid Awards are usually awarded in late August.

Applicants for the Academic Merit Award must complete the application fully.

Ready to Apply?

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) provides invaluable support for ambitious students who might otherwise face financial barriers to higher education. If you meet the eligibility criteria outlined above, we encourage you to explore and apply for the AFSA loan or scholarship program that best suits your educational goals.