Paving the way to academic success.
Each year, the AFA Education Foundation awards academic scholarships to deserving individuals who currently work in the industry or who are connected to someone who works in the industry.
How to Apply
Eligibility Criteria
- 2.5 GPA or higher over the past 3 years
- Employed in the industry OR child of someone employed in the industry
- Minimum of 40 hours of community service in the past 4 years
- Essay, photo, and letter of recommendation required
Timeline
- Applications due: January 17, 2026
- Recipients announced: FENCETECH 2026 at Rise & Recognize event
- Scholarships awarded: $5,000 (up to five annually)
Application Materials
- Online application
- Essay (see tips below)
- Headshot photo
- Letter of recommendation
Apply for a Scholarship
Tips for a Strong Application
Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements, such as GPA, industry employment, application completeness, and community service hours. Tailor your application to highlight how you fulfill each criterion.
Start early and stay organized.
Begin the application process well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Create a checklist of required materials – essay, photograph, letter of recommendation – and track deadlines to ensure timely submission.
Tell your story authentically in your essay.
Your essay is an opportunity to showcase your unique experiences and aspirations. Be authentic and let your personality shine through. Engage the reader with a strong introduction and provide specific examples that illustrate your points.
Choose a strong recommender.
Select someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths, character, and achievements. Provide them with ample time and information to write a thoughtful and detailed letter.
Highlight your community service clearly.
Detail your community service activities, emphasizing your commitment and the impact of your involvement. This demonstrates your dedication to giving back and aligns with the scholarship's service requirements.
Proofread everything!
Review your application multiple times to catch any errors or inconsistencies. Consider asking a teacher, mentor, or family member to provide feedback. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Apply for a Scholarship
Scholarship Receipients
2025
- Lauren Amato
- Colin Galpin
- Cadence Hoover
- Alejandra Rivera Martinez
2024
- Carson Bembridge
- Jaden Breeden
- Tyler Cotterall
- Tyler Kleinsasser
- Hailey Reinhardt
2023
- Brayson Boyd
- Addison Hughes
- Calynn Lockard
- Jake McCoy
- Taylor Shipp
2022
- Kinsley Bean
- Calynn Lockard
- Taylor Shipp
- Nicole Williams
- Thomas Wilson
2021
- Caragan Lockard
- Erin Loftus
- Nielsen Lundgren
- Elle Shrader
- Christopher Williams
2020
- Jacqueline Baker
- Genevieve Kroese
- Ismel Nieto
2019
- Maridi Caruso
- K Enticknap
- Jordyn Jefcoat
- Katherine Loftus
- Brian Sudol
- Z Yanoff
2018
- Jessi Bautista Espino
- Emilie Cochenour
- Spencer Cook
- Kerri Hoy
- Hannah McMichael
- Caleesa Robinson
- Logan Stinson
2017
- Danielle Christiansen
- Maridi Folsom
- Saxon Hartman
- Haley Jones
- Collin Lockard
- Rebecca Sewald
- John Thompson
Tell your story authentically in your essay.
