The Gilman-McCain Scholarship, a distinct award within the broader Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, offers a unique opportunity for eligible students to study abroad. This scholarship specifically supports children and spouses of active-duty U.S. military personnel. Named in honor of the late Senator John McCain, a distinguished veteran and public servant, it embodies his commitment to service and education. This article addresses frequently asked questions to clarify the specifics of the Gilman-McCain Scholarship and its relation to the Gilman Program.
Eligibility for Veterans and Dependents
Q: Can a veteran or dependent of a veteran apply for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship?
A: The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is exclusively for dependents—children or spouses—of active or activated United States military personnel at the time of application. Veterans themselves are not eligible for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship. However, veterans and other students not meeting the Gilman-McCain criteria are encouraged to explore the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The general Gilman Program offers a similar study abroad opportunity with different eligibility requirements, which can be found on the Gilman Scholarship website.
Federal Pell Grant and Gilman-McCain Application
Q: If a student is not receiving a Federal Pell Grant, how can they apply for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship?
A: It’s a common misconception that a Federal Pell Grant is strictly required for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship. While the Gilman Scholarship generally requires Pell Grant eligibility, the Gilman-McCain Scholarship has a slightly different criterion. To be eligible for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, applicants must be children or spousal dependents of an active member of the U.S. Armed Forces (including Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard) and must be receiving any type of Title IV federal financial aid. This broader definition of federal financial aid access makes the Gilman-McCain Scholarship accessible to a wider range of military families. If a dependent of an active military member applies for the Gilman Scholarship, they will automatically be considered for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship if they provide proof of their dependent status during the application process.
Active Military Status at Application vs. Study Abroad
Q: Is a student eligible for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship if their parent or spouse is an active military member at the time of their application, but no longer active when the student goes abroad?
A: Yes, eligibility for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship is determined by the active military status of the parent or spouse at the time the student applies. Changes in military status after the application submission do not impact eligibility, allowing students to plan their study abroad experiences with confidence, knowing their scholarship eligibility remains valid even if their sponsor’s active duty status changes before the program commences.
Applying for Gilman vs. Gilman-McCain
Q: If a student is a child or spousal dependent of an active military member and is receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or while abroad, which application should they fill out?
A: For students who are dependents of active military personnel and Pell Grant recipients, the process is streamlined. It is recommended to complete the Gilman-McCain Scholarship application. The Gilman Program intelligently manages applications to ensure that eligible dependents of active military members are considered for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship first. Applying through the Gilman Scholarship portal will still lead to consideration for the Gilman-McCain award, provided the necessary dependent status verification is submitted. The system will automatically prioritize Gilman-McCain eligibility for those who qualify.
Receiving Both Gilman and Gilman-McCain Scholarships
Q: Can students apply for Gilman and Gilman-McCain and receive both scholarships?
A: While students meeting the criteria for both the Gilman Scholarship (Pell Grant recipient) and the Gilman-McCain Scholarship (dependent of active military) are technically eligible for both, they can only receive one scholarship. The Gilman-McCain Scholarship takes precedence. If a student qualifies for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, they will be awarded that scholarship and will no longer be considered for the general Gilman Scholarship, ensuring that the specific funding for military dependents is appropriately allocated.
Critical Need Language Award for Gilman-McCain Applicants
Q: Can Gilman-McCain applicants apply for the Critical Need Language Award?
A: Absolutely. Gilman-McCain Scholarship applicants are encouraged to apply for the Critical Need Language Award if they are planning to study a critical need language in eligible locations. This additional award can further enhance the study abroad experience by supporting language acquisition in strategically important languages, aligning with national needs and Senator John McCain’s emphasis on global engagement.
Number of Gilman-McCain Awards
Q: How many Gilman-McCain awards are available?
A: For the current academic year, the Gilman-McCain Scholarship program offers 100 awards, each valued at $5,000. These awards are intended to provide significant financial assistance to military dependents pursuing study abroad opportunities, making international education more accessible within the military community, a cause championed by Senator McCain throughout his career.
Eligibility for Dependents of Deceased Military Personnel
Q: Are dependents of military personnel who died while an active military member eligible to apply to the Gilman-McCain Scholarship?
A: No, the Gilman-McCain Scholarship eligibility is specifically limited to dependents of current active military members. While the sacrifices of families of deceased military members are deeply recognized, the Gilman-McCain Scholarship’s focus is on supporting families of those currently serving. For information on other study abroad scholarships and grants, including those that may be relevant to dependents of deceased military personnel, please consult the Other Study Abroad Resources section on the Gilman Scholarship website.
Application Fee for Gilman-McCain Scholarship
Q: Is there an application fee for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship?
A: No, there is no application fee for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship. Applying is completely free, removing financial barriers from the application process and ensuring that all eligible military dependents have the opportunity to apply for this prestigious scholarship honoring John McCain’s legacy.
Eligibility of Dependents of Reservists
Q: Are child or spousal dependents of reservists eligible?
A: Yes, dependents of reservists are eligible, provided the reservist is on active duty status. The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is open to child or spousal dependents of all active U.S. military members, encompassing active duty personnel in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps. To verify eligibility, all applicants must provide their child or spouse dependent military ID (DD1173 Form), which serves as official confirmation of the guardian or spouse’s active military member status. This broad inclusion reflects Senator McCain’s wide-ranging respect and support for all branches of the U.S. military.
By addressing these frequently asked questions, we aim to provide clarity and encourage eligible military dependents to apply for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, an opportunity that not only supports their educational aspirations but also honors the enduring legacy of Senator John McCain.
