How far can support from MOAA’s Education Assistance Program take you in your pursuit of professional success?

Well, Tunisia, for starters.

That’s where Devon Lupton works as a technology officer with the U.S. State Department. Lupton’s career path began at Liberty University, where he completed undergraduate studies before earning a master’s in network design and security. He relied on grants and interest-free loans from MOAA to cover a portion of the cost.

“The financial support … was critical for my professional development by allowing me to focus on my studies instead of trying to work through school,” Lupton said.

Without that focus, “I would not be where I am today.”

This past year, more than 1,500 students received loans or grants from the MOAA Scholarship Fund, which dates back to 1948. Grant distributions for the 2025-26 academic year topped $6.7 million; applications for assistance in the 2026-27 year opened Nov. 1.

[RELATED: Apply for Education Assistance From MOAA]

The program is open to those 24 and under with a high school or college grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. Officer parents must have a paid MOAA membership if their child is selected; children of active duty and retired enlisted personnel (not former) are also eligible to apply.

‘A Great Way to Start My Career’

Rachel Wheeler, pictured, received support from MOAA during her undergrad studies at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois, where she graduated with a master’s in organizational leadership in 2015.

Between that assistance, other scholarships, and some support from her parents, “I was able to complete my undergraduate work without going into interest-generating debt,” she told MOAA. “This was a great way to start my career, as it allowed me to focus on putting money into my 401(k).”

Wheeler’s been with her current employer in the food services industry for nearly nine years. Her advice for those getting ready for college?

“Remember that choosing a career path does not have to be a one-and-done decision. We can't expect 18-year-olds to know what they want to do and who they want to be for the rest of their lives. I'm 34 and I still don't know what I want to be!”

Lupton stressed the need to stay engaged with your studies – “college is a lot of fun, and it is easy to forget you are there to receive an education” – but also reminded incoming students to take care of themselves.

“Stay focused on the end goal, but also focus on your physical health,” he said. “Regular exercise will improve brain function and help you be a better scholar, and serve you well later in life.”

Generational Support

Lupton and Wheeler are just two of the tens of thousands of recipients who have finished paying back their zero-interest loans – funds that can now be used toward the next generation of service-connected students.

“It’s the definition of ‘paying it forward,’” said Amanda Centers, MOAA’s vice president of Development. “With repayment funds and ongoing support from generous donors, the MOAA Scholarship Fund continues to expand, helping more students achieve their academic goals while giving much-needed financial stability to families who serve.”

Learn more about the fund at the MOAA Charities website. Interested in supporting MOAA Charities? You can donate online or discover other ways to give.