Sligthly OT- Need help setting up a scholarship

First some background. I'm an E-8 in the Air Force and belong to a somewhat informal group called the "Top 3"(E-7 through E-9 being the top three enlisted ranks). Our main purpose is to boost morale and take care of lower-ranking airmen in the squadron. We do a lot a fundraising and use the money to fund "burger burns", Christmas parties, momentos & plaques for departing members, retirements, and family emergencies and for donations to charitable organizations. Morale is a big deal in the Air Force and the Top 3 takes it seriously.

The importance of college education is stressed to junior airmen (you've seen the commercials) and the Air Force usually funds at least 75% of tuition, less books. However, at a recent meeting someone thought it'd be nice if we created a $500 scholarship for those airmen mainly to punctuate the Top 3's support to those who really want to pursue education. I guees it's like "giving back to the community".

Well, I volunteered to do all the footwork work like an idiot...yes, after all these years in the military, I should know better than to volunteer for anything! Oh,well.

Mainly I'm looking for suggestions on:
- What makes one INELIGIBLE
- Selection method (essay, interview,
supported nomination, combination etc.)
- How should we follow-up to make sure money
is actually used for education purposes
-- reimbursing documented expenses
-- making payments directly to institution
versus student
--???
- Links to any useful sites
- Anything else

I'm open to questions AND answers at this point. I expect a lot of great feedback regardless.

Thx,
4Q

 

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First, I'd like to express my appreciation for your Top 3 in this endeavor. Never have I seen any Top 3 take this on. On person I would definitely consult is the director of your education center who can give you some good ideas (unless this person is an idiot).

I would consider creating an ad hoc committee to staff the issue. Since so many of your decisions are values-based, you are destined for some controversy. I would arrange it so the scholarship money goes straight to the student's learning institution and not the student. This alleviates the possibility of the funds going for personal use.

Other things to think about: Students who have a GI Bill can now get 100% TA with the "top up" program. Do they need an extra $500 when all their tuition is paid? Would the Top 3 be obligated to report the scholarship award to the IRS? (The JAG can answer this one). Think about what minimum GPA is required so that you choose a recipient who has a real chance at graduating.

When you finally come up with a program that the Top 3 approved, I recommend staffing it through the Ed Center and the JAG. First, you want to eliminate any institutional bias and ensure everything you do is completely legal. It's a farfetched scenario, but the Top 3, as a private organization, is not immune from lawsuits. If you don't have insurance, then the individuals of the organization are collectively responsible for any damages.

Hope this helps a little.