Since its inception in 1942, the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) has been committed to helping Air Force members and their families realize their academic goals. In recent years, the Society's emphasis has been on direct funding of new initiatives that provide greater value to Air Force families.

The centerpiece of the Society's education initiatives is the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program which provides $2000 grants to selected sons and daughters of active duty, Title 10 AGR/Reserve, Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty, retired, retired reserve and deceased Air Force members; spouses (stateside) of active duty members and Title 10 AGR/Reservists; and surviving spouses of deceased personnel for their undergraduate studies. The value and success of this program, is demonstrated in the 94,095 grants disbursed since the first awards were made for the 1988-1989 academic year.

This grant program remains competitive in its need-based selection criteria, uniquely tailored to recognize the proper weighing of family income and education cost factors, and is administered by ACT Scholarship and Recognition Services. ACT, located in Iowa City IA, is an independent, not-for-profit organization with nearly 50 years experience in providing support services to scholarship sponsors.