Thank you for your interest in the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship! We want to help you submit your best application. Please read the information on this page before beginning the application process.

 

The 2024 application period is now open. Apply by April 15th!

FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship: Steps to Apply

 

STEP 1

Confirm you are eligible for this award. Please carefully review the eligibility requirements here.

 

STEP 2

Create an account at https://afcpe.smapply.io. Click the Register button in the top right corner. The email address that you use to create your account will be the email address that is used for all communication throughout this process. Please add noreply@mail.smapply.io to your list of approved senders and check your email frequently during the application period for updates and reminders, as timely responses are requested.

JavaScript and cookies need to be enabled in your browser in order for the site and surveys to work properly. For the best possible experience with the application, please use the latest version of one of the following browsers:

  • Chrome 
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  • Safari (Macintosh only)

    You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. Your browser will notify you if there is a new version available. Some supported browsers may still produce a banner stating Your browser does not meet the minimum requirements. If you have upgraded your browser but you are still seeing the warning banner, try logging out of Apply and deleting your browser cookies.

 

STEP 3

Complete the 7 tasks required for the application. These tasks can be completed in any order and include the following parts:

  1. Applicant Information
  2. Servicemember Details Form
  3. Letter of Recommendation (optional, but recommended)
  4. Education & Experience Form
  5. Essay Questions
  6. Demographic Information (optional)
  7. Additional Information

STEP 4

Submit your application. You will receive an email confirmation upon submission of your application. Each application goes through a multi-stage blind review process. 

As you move through the application the system will save your work automatically. To advance through the application, click on each task from the list on the left side of the screen. Each required task must show a green checkmark before the Review & Submit button will be available. You may reopen each until you Submit by clicking the three dots in the top right corner of each task and selecting either Reset (which clears the form) or Edit (which allows you to edit what you’ve already entered into the form). Once your application has been submitted, you may view but you may no longer edit your application.

Please use the Previous and Next navigation buttons at the bottom of each page to move through the application. Using your browser’s back button may cause you to lose information you have already completed.

Please contact (614) 368-1052 or militaryspouse@afcpe.org with any questions or concerns.

NOTE: Late submissions are not accepted.

Application Tips

 

The application process for the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship consists of the following parts which may be completed in any order:

  • Applicant Details Form
    Provide information on yourself.
  • Servicemember Details Form
    Provide information on your spouse’s branch of service, pay grade, installation and status.
  • Letter of Recommendation
    Consider requesting the Letter of Recommendation first in order to allow your reference ample time to respond. The application will send the request to your preferred reference. Click here for details to help guide your recommender. The Letters of Recommendation must be submitted by the reference no later than the deadline noted in the application.

Please provide one reference who is not related to you and who can speak to your character, your experience as related to this program and/or your dedication to the military community and the financial health of servicemembers. 

You may submit your application upon completion of all required tasks. A response from your reference is not required and no points will be awarded for a letter of recommendation. Your reference will serve as an additional consideration for your application only. Should a response to your request be received, you will be notified via email. AFCPE will not provide a copy of any reference letters received. Your reference’s comments will remain confidential and will only be viewed by those reviewing your application. 

  • Education and Experience Form
    • Outline your Educational Experience: You may include up to two degrees. Please indicate whether a degree has been completed or not. Please indicate any licenses or certifications you hold. NOTE: If you hold an active securities license, you are INELIGIBLE for the Fellowship.
    • Outline your PAID Employment History: Please include paid employment only. 
    • Outline your Volunteer History: Please include unpaid volunteer work only.
  •  Essay Questions
    There will be 4 essay questions with a 250 word maximum for each question. The essay questions are a critical component of the Fellowship application. Your response should be thorough and address the topic indicated. Applicants should use proper grammar and clarity in writing. Past applicants have found it useful to read through ALL essay questions before composing their answers. We recommend typing your answers outside the form and then pasting your answers into the application once you have completed them.
  • Demographic Information
    Completion of this information is optional and does not impact your application. This information is collected for statistical purposes only.
  • Additional Information
    Complete this section to share with us any additional details you’d like us to know about you as we consider your application. Additionally, please provide the best phone number to reach you should we have any questions about your application.

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