It’s time to apply for Academic Year 2026.  We encourage eligible, qualified, dependents of Marine Corps Tankers and dependents of military members who served in a Marine Corps tank unit to apply.   Dependents, including spouses, children, up to grandson or granddaughter of a Marine Tanker or service member who served in a Marine Tank unit may apply.  Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or a full-time post high school student, with at least 12 units in an accredited junior college, trade school, or a 4-year baccalaureate program.  The application process is comprehensive, and all interested applicants should begin as soon as possible.  The process includes scholarship committee evaluation of applicant extracurricular activities and community participation value.  The application submission documentation includes the application form, a candidate essay, two letters of recommendation, the most recent official school transcript, and school participation documentation (such as an acceptance letter or class schedule).  The committee shall then evaluate the complete application package including full-time student and official school accreditation status.

The application submission process has changed.  The committee expects applications to be received as electronically transmitted complete packages via email (soft copy).  We also expect follow-on confirming hard copy application packages as in previous years.  Applicant packages received by ONLY one method by the submission period end will not be considered.  The committee chair will receive and hold hard copy packages for soft copy package comparison.  This new process supports scholarship candidate’s application package evaluation in a timely manner by committee members who are geographically separated.

Please send hard copy transcripts and letters with the application package in their original sealed envelopes.    Please see the MCTAF scholarship application instructions for additional details.

Please NOTE:  The application period is between February 15 and March 15, 2026.  All mailed application packages and emailed application packages must be postmarked / emailed by 15 March.  Any application package received by the scholarship chairman after that date will not be considered.

All scholarship applications along with accompanying required documentation must be mailed to the scholarship committee chair, Bill Pattison, PO Box 444, 956 E. Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista, Az 85635 AND emailed to the committee at mctafsc@gmail.com.  All questions regarding scholarships should be emailed to Bill Pattison at that email address.

• The number of scholarships to be awarded in 2026 will be based on Marine Corps Tanker Association revenues and sustaining contributions.  MCTA members and parties interested in contributing to the Scholarship Fund or obtaining more information about the MCTA Scholarship Program are invited to contact the Marine Corps Tankers Association Foundation (MCTAF) Mario Tamez Sr at mariotamez48@standardcement.com.
• Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship winners.  Be sure to review your application, succeed in school and keep in touch.  Again, this year, the MCTA and all the Marine Tankers extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Greg LiCalzi and his entire family and their “Ace in the Hole” Foundation for their generous support of the MCTA Scholarship Program.  –