Locals looking for ways to pay for college and want to provide a greater service to their country have a new option available to them.

“This is a new program that United State Army Cadet Command started last year,” said Capt. Joshua W. Henderson.

Through the program the Alabama National Guard is offering several Minuteman scholarships for the coming academic year.

The scholarship is full tuition or room and board scholarship to the accredited university of one’s choice.

“While we cannot guarantee that an applicant will receive the scholarship, membership in the Guard is a requirement to apply,” Henderson said. “Therefore, an interested party can contact a local recruiter for initial contact and basic information. Since, I am the POC (point of contact) for the state, my office will be able to provide greater detail an assist the applicant.”

The Minuteman scholarship is for men and women eligible to serve in the Alabama National Guard and comes with a commitment to join the Reserve Office Training Corps and serve as a commissioned officer in the Alabama Army National Guard.

The scholarship also comes with an increasing monthly living stipend — $300 for freshmen, $350 for sophomores, $450 for junior and $500 for seniors – as well as $600 per semester book stipend, and sergeant’s pay for monthly and annual training periods.

To get started, one must have a minimum ACT score of 19 or SAT of 920 and must graduate from college and must commission as a second lieutenant before ones 32nd birthday.

Additionally, one must also be a United State citizen and able to obtain secret security clearance.

For complete information, or to apply for the scholarship, contact Henderson at 334-271-7456 or Joshua.w.henderson2@mil@mail.mil.