DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is giving top marks to military students who ace their academics, celebrating 25 years of its class-act You Made the Grade program.
Military students, including homeschoolers, in first through 12th grades, 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 National Military Family Association, the average military child changes schools nine times before graduating—a challenge their civilian counterparts don’t face.
“Military kids rise to challenges of adapting to new schools and coping during parents’ deployments,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Academic success is more than grades. It’s about commitment and readiness for what’s next. The Exchange is honored to celebrate resilient young scholars who work hard.”
Besides the 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 this downloadable form on ShopMyExchange.com 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 2025 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
Facebook-friendly version: Good report cards = gift cards and more! For 25 years, the Exchange has honored military kids for academic excellence with the You Made the Grade program. Here’s how to earn rewards: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-327
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) 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 51st-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, the Exchange benefit has provided $15 billion in value to the military community, including through contributions to critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on X at https://x.com/ExchangePAO
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Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Zach Wright, 214-312-6300, or [email protected].
Follow the Exchange:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange