Military Child of the Year Award
Scholarship Sponsored by Operation Homefront
Overview
The Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Awards recognize exceptional military-connected youth who demonstrate scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, and strong extracurricular involvement while navigating the challenges of military family life. Recipients serve as representatives of a branch of the U.S. armed forces, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force. The program highlights resilience and community contribution, honoring young people whose achievements inspire military families and the broader public. Selection emphasizes both individual accomplishments and the role the child plays in supporting and representing their military community.
Description: An annual award honoring outstanding military-connected youth for leadership, service, academics, and community involvement.
- National award presented annually by Operation Homefront.
- Recipients represent individual service branches.
- Focus on leadership, volunteerism, and resilience in military family life.
Eligibility
The award is limited to legally enrolled military dependents who meet specific age and availability requirements. Nominees must be confirmed as military dependents through DEERS and must meet the age criteria at the time of nomination. Both the nominated child and an accompanying adult guardian must be able to travel to the Washington, D.C. area for the award presentation. Certain individuals are explicitly excluded from eligibility to prevent conflicts of interest.
Eligibility: Requirements include dependent status verified by DEERS, age 13–18 at nomination, travel availability to Washington, D.C., and exclusions for organization staff and prior recipients.
- Must be a legal military dependent; status confirmed by DEERS enrollment.
- Must be between ages 13 and 18 at the time of nomination.
- Child and one adult guardian must be available to travel to Washington, D.C. in April 2027.
- Officers, directors, employees, agents of Operation Homefront (and immediate family or household members) are ineligible.
- Previous Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year recipients are ineligible.
Awards & Recognition
Recipients are flown to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian to be honored at a formal gala, where senior leaders from each service branch present the awards. Each honoree receives a monetary award, technology, and additional donated gifts to support their education and development. The gala typically takes place in April to coincide with the Month of the Military Child, offering public recognition and ceremonial presentation. Presentation at the gala amplifies the recipients' achievements and connects them with military and community leaders.
Award Value: Winners receive $10,000, a laptop computer, and other donated gifts, plus travel and formal recognition at the gala.
- All recipients receive $10,000 and a laptop.
- Winners are flown to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian.
- Recognition occurs at a formal April gala presented by senior service leaders.
Application Timeline
The award presentation for this cycle will occur in April 2027, and nominees must be able to travel during that month if selected. The gala is usually held in April to align with the Month of the Military Child. Specific nomination deadlines and the selection schedule are not provided in the source material. Prospective applicants should consult Operation Homefront for complete application dates and submission requirements.
Application Timeline: Award presentation and required travel are scheduled for April 2027; nomination and selection dates are not specified here.
- Gala and award presentation scheduled for April 2027.
- Nominees must confirm travel availability for April 2027 if selected.
- Refer to Operation Homefront for exact nomination deadlines and procedures.