Frequently Asked Questions — Military Award Program (MAP)

Military Award Program (MAP)

Turn Your Military Service Into Professional Success!

Did you gain some useful skills in the military, such as welding, mechanical or business-related qualifications through administrative tasks? Perhaps you have strong computer skills and would be a great fit for an information technology (IT) program? In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that computer support specialists can work in their roles without needing a traditional degree. According to 2016 data, their average median annual salary was $52,160. Not only that, but job growth for these careers is expected to be 12 percent from 2014-24. That's faster than the national average, which is currently 7 percent.

If you're a military veteran trying to compare scholarships to trade schools, you came to the right place. Check out these quick facts about our Military Award Program:

15,457 — that's how many military scholarship applications for career colleges and technical schools we've received.

11,929 — that's how many approved Imagine America awards we've given out!

300+ — that's the number of school options you have when applying for our scholarships to trade schools and career colleges for veterans

1 — that's the number of people it takes to follow your dream. (That's you, of course!)

Use the Following Links to Navigate to the Sections Below

You have questions? We want to help!

Prospective MAP applicants must meet the following guidelines to apply:

  • Be enrolling into a participating college
  • Active-duty, reservist, honorably discharged or retired veteran of the United States military
  • Likelihood of enrolling and successfully completing postsecondary education
  • Not be a previous recipient of any other Imagine America Foundation scholarships/awards
  • Financial need

The deadline to apply is Dec. 31. MAP begins on Jan. 1 of each calendar year. We recommend you apply three months before you enroll or start college.

Students may apply for the Military Award Program online. Click here to choose the college you’re enrolling in. Next you’ll be presented with a short application form to complete. Review your completed application form to make sure all your information is correct. To submit your application, select “Send Your Application.”

Note: Only schools with an active hyperlink that is clickable currently participate in our program.

All Imagine America applicants will need to complete the Financial Planning Made Simple video tutorial to receive your award letter and certificate.

More than 100 career colleges nationwide and in Puerto Rico participate in the Imagine America Military Award Program.  Search for a college here.

Why can't you take the next step and apply for our career college scholarships for military veterans? If you still feel like you meet the qualifications and have career interests in areas such as welding, automotive, medical or mechanical, you might be a great fit!

Want to apply for the scholarship? Download our free mobile app.

The IAF app delivers tools and resources perfect for students of all ages — as well as high school counselors, career college administrators, and college and university administrators. Matching your school with scholarship opportunities, applying to your school and even checking your application status have never been easier.