If you’re a high school senior with a family member in the Navy or Coast
Guard, there’s a scholarship designed just for you. The
SEVACF Armed Forces Scholarship offers financial help to the
dependents of active-duty service members stationed in
Portsmouth, Virginia, and it’s one of those rare scholarships that
truly honors military families while helping them transition into higher
education.
Let’s break down what this scholarship is all about, who qualifies, and how
to apply with confidence.
💡 What Is the SEVACF Armed Forces Scholarship?
The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation (SEVACF) has deep roots
in supporting local causes, especially those tied to education, service, and
community upliftment. Through this particular scholarship, SEVACF is
offering a $2,000 award to one deserving student who’s not only
connected to the armed forces but is also preparing to take the leap into
college.
This scholarship is more than just financial aid—it's a symbol of
appreciation for the sacrifices military families make and a push to
help young people succeed academically in the face of unique
challenges.
🛡️ Quick Overview:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎓 Amount | $2,000 one-time scholarship |
| 🪖 Who It’s For | Dependents of active-duty Navy or Coast Guard personnel |
| 📍 Location | Must be stationed in Portsmouth, Virginia |
| 🏫 Education Level | High school seniors accepted to or enrolled in an ACE-accredited college |
| 📚 GPA Requirement | Minimum 2.5 GPA |
🌟 Why This Scholarship Matters?
Military families often face frequent relocations, long separations,
and transitions that affect everything from education to finances. This
scholarship is designed to lighten the financial load and recognize the
resilience of students who grow up in that lifestyle.
Here’s why the SEVACF Armed Forces Scholarship stands out:
-
✅
It’s specific and focused—you’re not competing with a nationwide
pool
-
🏅
It supports students who have already demonstrated academic commitment
-
💬
It connects recipients to a network of local support in Southeast
Virginia
If you’ve got the grades and the military connection, your chances of standing
out in this pool are much higher than applying for larger, more
generalized national scholarships.
✅ Who Can Apply?
Not sure if you qualify? Let’s run through a quick eligibility checklist:
You’re eligible if:
-
📍
You’re a dependent of an active-duty Navy or Coast Guard
member
-
🏠
Your sponsor is stationed in Portsmouth, VA
-
🎓
You’re a graduating high school senior
-
📚
You’ve been accepted or enrolled at a
college or university that is ACE-accredited
-
🧮
You’ve maintained a GPA of 2.5 or higher
If you checked all those boxes—you’re good to go!
🔍
What is ACE-accredited?
ACE stands for the American Council on Education. Accreditation ensures
the school is recognized for meeting academic standards. You can search your
school’s accreditation status here:
👉 (https://www.acenet.edu)
📝 How to Apply?
While the scholarship doesn’t list every application step in the original
document, here’s a general guide based on typical SEVACF and regional
scholarship processes:
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
-
Prepare Your Academic Records
-
You’ll need a transcript that clearly shows your GPA.
-
Gather Proof of Eligibility
-
This might include a letter from your sponsor’s commanding officer or base
personnel verifying station location and service status.
-
Personal Essay (if required)
-
Talk about your connection to military life, your educational goals, and
how this scholarship will help shape your future. Even if it’s not
required, it’s good practice to have one ready.
-
Submit Application to SEVACF
-
Applications can likely be submitted through their site or emailed
directly to their scholarship committee.
📬
Contact Info for Questions or Submissions:
Scholarship Committee
Southeast Virginia Community Foundation
📍
1435 Crossways Blvd, Suite 303, Chesapeake, VA 23320
✉️
carrie.reid@sevacf.org
📞
757-397-5424
💡
Tip: Call ahead or email the scholarship committee to confirm application
requirements and deadlines.
💬 About SEVACF – Who’s Behind the Scholarship?
The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation (SEVACF) isn’t new to
community service. In fact, they’ve been at it for over five decades.
Founded through the merger of two community pillars—the Portsmouth Community Foundation (est. 1965)
and Chesapeake’s Heron Foundation (est. 2008)—SEVACF became a united
force for good in 2010.
Their mission is simple:
“Connect people who care with causes that matter.”
And they do this by:
-
Offering scholarships and educational support
-
Supporting charitable causes in Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Southeast
Virginia
-
Directing funds to underrepresented or underserved communities
If you live in that region, it’s worth bookmarking their site:
👉 (https://www.sevacf.org)
🧾 Final Thoughts – Is This Scholarship Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re part of a military family and you’re getting ready to
start your college journey, this scholarship is tailor-made for you. Not only
does it help financially, but it also puts your name on the radar of a
respected local foundation with deep community ties.
Here’s a quick recap:
✅
$2,000 toward your college education
✅
Specifically designed for Navy/Coast Guard dependents
✅
Only open to students in Portsmouth, VA—less competition!
✅
Backed by a community foundation with a long track record