A+ Effort Pays Off: Exchange’s You Made the Grade Program Rewards Military Students
DALLAS – Military-connected students are getting extra credit for academic effort through the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES, the Exchange) https://publicaffairs-sme.com/Community/home-v3/community/you-made-the-grade/, which rewards eligible first through 12th graders each grading period.
Military students, including homeschoolers, can bring their report cards to the PX/BX customer service area each grading period to receive rewards. Students with straight A’s receive a $20 Exchange gift card, while students with a B average earn a $10 Exchange gift card.
Since 2000, the Exchange has honored military kids’ hard work in the classroom. According to the Department of War, the average military child changes schools nine times before graduating, a challenge that can disrupt routines, courses and academic progress.
“For more than 25 years, the You Made the Grade program has celebrated the determination of military students who continue working toward their goals through the changes that come with military life,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Angela Holden, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Whether they are adapting to a new school, building new routines or staying focused on coursework amid a parent’s deployment, these students demonstrate resilience and commitment that deserves to be recognized.”
Besides gift cards, students also receive an Exchange coupon sheet for:
- A free small fountain, frozen or bubbler beverage.
- A free kid’s meal at participating Exchange restaurants.
- A free combo meal at participating Exchange restaurants.
- A free kid’s hair service or $15 off hair service at The Barber Shop or Hair Studio.
- 10% off any pair of headphones (excluding Apple and Beats).
- 10% off apparel and footwear.
- A $5 coupon at Exchange mall concessionaires or kiosks.
Students who are making progress on their specialized education programs can participate too. Parents can print thishttps://www.aafes.com/Images/AboutExchange/YouMadetheGrade/downloadform.pdf and have it signed by their child’s teacher or school official each grading period, indicating the modified grades of the student’s academic progress. The signed form can be handed in at the customer service desk at the PX or BX to earn You Made the Grade rewards.
Students who make the grade can also enter a biannual worldwide sweepstakes for a chance to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. The fall 2026 drawing will take place in December.
To enter the drawing, students or parents can complete the form on the back of the gift card and mail it to: You Made the Grade PO Box 227398 Dallas, TX 75222-7398
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 60th-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In 2025, the Exchange generated $307 million for military Quality-of-Life programs. In the last 10 years, the Exchange has returned $2.4 billion to military communities. The Exchange is a nonappropriated fund entity of the Department of War and is directed by a Board of Directors. To find out more about the Exchange’s history and mission or to view recent press releases, please visit our website athttp://www.shopmyexchange.comorfollow us on X athttps://x.com/shopmyexchange.
Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative, please contact Zach Wright, 214-312-6300 or mailto:WrightZ@aafes.com.
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