The Commissary Scholarship is essentially available to children of military parents, whether they are reserve, retired or presently considered to be on active duty. The scholarship is not available, however, to prospective students who will not be attending full-time college or university. Only Bachelor program candidates are considered, so if you are moving on to some form of graduate degree the scholarship does not apply. You cannot be married, and must be under 21 years old; if you're already in school and applying, that age rises to 23.
One of the primary criteria is your academic record. Also, your active participation in extra-curricular school or community programs will show positively on your application. "Work Experience" will help as well, as it will demonstrate that you have accepted responsibility, and illustrate that you have some diverse experiences in life that are not just school-related. There will be a required essay as well.
The amount of the scholarship is $1,500. The program states that there will be a minimum of one awarded scholarship per commissary, but the number may be greater according to certain factors. Optimum numbers of scholarships per commissary are not stated. Only those students who win the scholarship will be contacted.
The list of corporate and business sponsors for the program is extensive, and features such popular brand names as Pepsi and Hershey. The sponsors are ranked according to the amount they have donated. They are then awarded the classic number of stars corresponding to a general's rank. The top level, four stars, is reserved for those sponsors who give "$50,000 or greater" to the cause.