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Thousands Await Applicants of Horizons Scholarships

  • 01/24/19

ARLINGTON, VA – Thousands of dollars in funding await the latest class of candidates for the 2019-20 Horizons Scholarship, Women In Defense (WID) announces as the nonprofit organization supporting women in national security careers prepares to take applicants for the awards.

Beginning February 1, eligible women may submit their bids for endowments that will help them pursue education on the path to a career in defense or national security. Application packages must be postmarked no later than March 15.

"We are excited to help promising students make their career goals come true," says WID's Executive Director Rachel McCaffrey. As a former Air Force colonel and intelligence officer, "it's an honor to be part of the career paths and support the educations of these bright women. We need their talents now, more than ever," she says.

Since its founding in 1990, more than 146 awards totaling nearly $500,000 have gone to Horizons applicants. Those submitting for the scholarship must:

  • Be female students currently enrolled at an accredited university or college, full or part time
  • Be a U.S. citizen 
  • Be an undergraduate or graduate student; undergraduates must have at least junior-level status (60 credits)
  • Demonstrate interest in pursuing a career related to national security or defense
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Have a minimum 3.25 grade point average

Previous Horizons winners may apply for the scholarship. Out of the more than 60 women who applied for the 2018-19 academic year, 16 women were granted Horizons funds totaling more than $131,000.

A committee of WID members will review the applications and notify the recipients in June. All selectees will be announced at the annual WID National Conference on June 13 and recognized at the annual WID Horizons Scholarship Celebration in August; both events will be in Washington.

Applicants with questions should visit WomenInDefense.net and click on "HORIZONS." A downloadable application and instructions to submit for the scholarships are on this website.

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