Military-connected students in first through 12th grade can receive rewards for good grades through the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s You Made the Grade program.
In Brief
- The Exchange’s You Made the Grade program rewards eligible military-connected students in first through 12th grades—including homeschoolers—each grading period for their academic achievement.
- Students who earn straight A’s receive a $20 Exchange gift card, while those with a B average receive a $10 Exchange gift card. Participants also receive coupons for free beverages, restaurant meals, hair services, discounts and more.
- Students who participate can enter the biannual worldwide You Made the Grade sweepstakes for a chance to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. The fall 2026 drawing takes place in December.
DALLAS – Military-connected students are getting extra credit for academic effort through the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES, the Exchange) You Made the Grade program, 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 this downloadable form 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is You Made the Grade?
You Made the Grade is an Exchange program that recognizes military-connected students for their hard work and academic progress. Eligible students in first through 12th grades can receive rewards each grading period by presenting qualifying report cards or approved academic-progress documentation at an Exchange PX or BX.
Who is eligible to participate?
Military-connected students in first through 12th grades are eligible, including students who are homeschooled. Students making progress through specialized education programs may also participate using the program’s downloadable academic-progress form.
What rewards can students receive?
Students who earn straight A’s receive a $20 Exchange gift card. Students with a B average receive a $10 Exchange gift card, as well as free drinks, meals, hair services and discounts.
How do students receive their rewards?
Students or parents should bring the student’s report card to the customer service area at their local PX or BX during each grading period. Exchange associates will verify eligibility and provide the appropriate gift card and coupon sheet.
Can homeschooled students participate?
Yes. Homeschooled military-connected students in first through 12th grades are eligible to participate. Parents should bring documentation of the student’s grades or academic progress to the PX or BX customer service area.
What if a student has a specialized education program?
Students making progress through specialized education programs can participate. Parents may print the downloadable You Made the Grade form and have the child’s teacher or school official sign it each grading period to verify the student’s modified grades and academic progress.
Facebook-friendly version: Good grades are back in session at the Exchange! Military-connected students in first through 12th grades can turn report-card success into rewards with You Made the Grade. Straight A’s earn a $20 Exchange gift card, while a B average earns $10—plus coupons for even more perks. Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-3jl
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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 at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on X at https://x.com/shopmyexchange.
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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].
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