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.
Take the Next Step
Follow the instructions and review the tips above, and apply today via our online application.
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