No, I am not acting like a delusional Trekkie. There really is a STARFLEET. The organization has been in existence for more than 35 years, and it has served as a venue for Star Trek enthusiasts to meet each other and share their passion. More than gushing over their favorite character, though, members of STARFLEET actually do something to help other people. They have programs that give back to the community, and one of them is a scholarship program.
STARFLEET offers monetary assistance to active members who are enrolled in school at different levels. Whether it is community college, four-year college, technical school, junior college, university, or graduate school, there is a scholarship program for qualified students.
Technically, you don’t go to school for free. The money that is awarded is meant to serve as a helping hand, and there are some strings attached. First of all, you have to be an active STARFLEET member. Second, you have to have been a member for at least a year before you can apply. Third, the amount that you receive is subject to the number of applicants and the amount of funds available.
If you are already a STARFLEET member, you probably know all about this already. If you are not yet one and would like to be (with the intent of applying for a scholarship as well), visit STARFLEET Scholarships.
Just to entice you more – as if being a member of an organization called STARFLEET were not enough! – here is what you will get when you join STARFLEET.
A membership package containing the following:
- A Membership Card
- A Membership Certificate
- A Member Handbook
- A Vessel Registry listing all chapters in STARFLEET
The last two items are sent via CD-ROM, although if you are a renewing member, you can request for hard copies instead. You will also get the STARTFLEET Communiqué, which is the newsletter of the organization. The newsletter is mailed to members six times per year, giving you something to look forward to on a regular basis.
So, whether or not you are interested in obtaining a STARFLEET scholarship, if you are a true blue Star Trek fan, it sure is worth it to join this organization.