WAEPA Announces 2026 Scholarship Award Winners; Celebrates 20th Class of Students
Established in 2007, WAEPA’s Scholarship Program has awarded more than $3.2 million to more than 1,300 students.
WAEPA (Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies, Inc.) is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients, the 20th class of students to receive tuition assistance from WAEPA.
This year, 90 students were awarded tuition assistance — 80 who will attend two- and four-year colleges and universities, and 10 who will advance their skills through vocational and technical programs.
These recipients represent 76 colleges and institutions across 34 states, reflecting a broad range of academic interests and career paths. Every award winner is the child of a current or former Civilian Federal Employee, representing the Federal workforce and families that WAEPA has served for more than 80 years.
“Welcoming our 20th class of scholarship recipients is a milestone we’re incredibly proud to celebrate,” said M. Shane Canfield, CEO of WAEPA. “These students represent the talent, ambition, and promise of Federal families across the country. We’re proud to play a small part in what comes next for them, and we look forward to seeing where their education, skills, and determination take them.”
Celebrating 20 Years of Investing in Students
In 2007, WAEPA established the scholarship program to help members’ children continue their education through college or vocational and technical programs. Scholarships are offered annually for full-time study at accredited institutions, giving WAEPA another meaningful way to support members and their families.
With the recognition of its 20th class of scholarship recipients in 2026, WAEPA is approaching another significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of the WAEPA Scholarship Program in 2027.
Since its founding, the WAEPA Scholarship Program has provided more than $3.2 million in tuition assistance to more than 1,300 students across more than 200 institutions nationwide. Today, WAEPA awards an average of approximately $2,300 per student.
The program has grown alongside the Federal community it serves. Over the years, WAEPA has increased the number of scholarships available, and today 90 students receive awards annually, expanding the program’s reach and helping more Federal families pursue their educational goals.
The scholarship program is one part of WAEPA’s broader commitment to supporting the financial well-being of the Federal community. Public service doesn’t end at the workplace; it touches the families who support Federal employees, wherever it takes them.
As the needs of the Federal community have evolved, so has the way WAEPA serves it. Most recently, WAEPA expanded eligibility for select products, resources, and member benefits to eligible family members of current and former Federal employees — extending its support to more of the families behind Federal service.
This fall, the opening of applications for the 2027 Scholarship Program will mark the beginning of WAEPA’s 20th anniversary year. The milestone offers an opportunity to celebrate the program’s impact since 2007 and WAEPA’s continued commitment to supporting Federal employees and their families.
About the WAEPA Scholarship Program
Established in 2007, the WAEPA Scholarship Program was created as another way for WAEPA to give back to members and their families, specifically by providing tuition assistance to members’ children.
Each year, WAEPA provides scholarships to 90 students pursuing full-time study at accredited institutions. Scholarships are available to students attending two- and four-year colleges and universities as well as those advancing their careers through vocational and technical schools.
Applicants must be children of WAEPA members, be under age 23, and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Learn more about WAEPA’s Scholarship Program >
About WAEPA
Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA) is a nonprofit association formed For Feds, By Feds. WAEPA’s mission is to provide access to products and services that promote the health, welfare, and financial well-being of its members. After more than 80 years in business, WAEPA has more than 50,000 members.
Media Contact
Lindsey Shindler, Public Relations Manager
Phone: (571) 800-2323
Email: lshindler@waepa.org