(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National Military Family Association (NMFA), a nonprofit that works to strengthen and protect military families, is now accepting applications for its annual Military Spouse Scholarship Program.

Since the program’s inception in 2004, NMFA has awarded $3.3 million in scholarship and professional support funds to more than 3,500 military spouses. Funding ranging from $500 to $2,500 is awarded to military spouses pursuing various levels of education or professional advancement. Recipients can use funds for a range of pursuits including: all levels of degrees, certification programs, vocational training, licensure fees and exams, professional courses and classes, continuing education credits, high school equivalency programs or English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.

“Now, more than ever, we believe in empowering military spouses to achieve their goals,” said Joyce Raezer, Executive Director of NMFA. “With military benefits being threatened, and our military still at war, spouses need to have the funds and resources available to help them finish their degree, get certified in a new career or be eligible to work when moving to new duty stations.”

Scholarships are awarded to spouses pursuing a variety of degrees and career fields, and the funds may be used to assist with tuition, fees and school room and board.

One NMFA spouse scholarship recipient said, “I’m taking nurse assisting classes as I obtain my Bachelor’s in Public Health. I’ll never forget the moment I was in the commissary and read the email that I received a scholarship. I cried right in the middle of aisle nine. The second chances you provide for spouses of military members are something my sailor and I will forever remember.”

Applicants must apply online by midnight, January 31, 2016. Spouses of uniformed service members from any branch or rank are eligible to apply. Any military spouse with a valid military ID can apply.
 Among others, this year’s program is made possible by partnerships with Fisher House Foundation, Samsung Electronics America and United Health Foundation with major support from Corvias Foundation, GEICO, Lockheed Martin, May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust, and Northrop Grumman Foundation. For more information on military spouse education and careers, visit the NMFA scholarship program page.

About the National Military Family Association

The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit dedicated to serving the families who stand behind the uniform. Since 1969, NMFA has worked to strengthen and protect millions of families through its advocacy and programs. They provide spouse scholarships, camps for military kids, and retreats for families reconnecting after deployment and for the families of the wounded, ill, or injured. NMFA serves the families of the currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA. To get involved or to learn more, visit www.MilitaryFamily.org.