Overview

The Association's Purpose

In 1970, the Seabee Memorial Association was formed to sponsor and build a monument in Washington, DC to honor the memory of those who served in Naval Construction Battalions. As the Memorial was being constructed, the Association changed to the Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association (SMSA) to provide scholarships for the children of Seabees and CEC Officers.

Since 1972, through the generosity of its supporters, SMSA has provided approximately 2,100 scholarships to children and grandchildren of Seabees and CEC Officers seeking a college education. Over the years, SMSA has increased the value of each scholarship from $600 to nearly $2,000, and the number of students with SMSA scholarships in any year has grown from 6 to over 100. The SMSA desires to double the scholarship award amount in order to keep up with the rising costs of a college education, and to increase the number of students receiving scholarships.

Important Facts:

Awarded over 2,100 scholarships since 1972

As of 2009, SMSA has 105 named scholarship recipients

On average, we receive 300 applications and award scholarships to 25 new students each year

Value of scholarships awarded totals $3.2 million, with the current value of each award at $1,900

Application numbers continue to grow, last year 400 applications were received

SMSA is always looking towards additional contributions to increase award amounts to combat the rising cost of higher education

The Association's Structure

Members of the Association include all Seabees and friends of the Seabees who have contributed funds toward the Association’s purpose. Each member receives a newsletter published periodically to keep them advised of the Association, and a copy of the annual Seabee calendar.

The Board of Directors is composed of retired, reserve, and active duty officers and Seabees, as well as the Master Chief of the Seabees, the Director of Seabee Readiness, and the National Commander of the Seabee Veterans of America.

The Scholarship Selection Committee consists of a cross section of officer and enlisted Seabees, and includes the Master Chief of the Seabees, the National Commander of the Seabee Veterans of America, and a representative from the Navy Wives' Club. This board meets annually in May to review applications and select scholarship recipients for the upcoming school year.