Securing Scholarships: Veteran-Specific Opportunities for Academic Success
The cost of higher education can be a significant barrier for student veterans. However, applying for extra scholarships helps lower these costs and connects veterans with organizations that offer more than just financial aid. These veteran-specific organizations can provide a valuable network, academic success resources, and additional support. Here, we explore various national and local scholarship opportunities for student veterans.
National Organizations Offering Scholarships for Student Veterans
Pat Tillman Foundation
The Pat Tillman Foundation awards the Tillman Scholarship to active and veteran service members and their spouses. The scholarship is awarded in varying amounts annually, typically averaging around $10,000 per recipient. The criteria include a demonstration of leadership, perseverance, and academic excellence.
AMVETS National Scholarships
AMVETS offers several scholarships annually, including the AMVETS National Scholarship Program. This program awards $4,000 to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Applicants must be US citizens, have a high school diploma or GED, and be enrolled or accepted at an accredited college, university, or technical school.
Student Veterans of America (SVA)
The SVA offers various scholarships in partnership with corporate sponsors. These scholarships typically range from $2,500 to $12,000. Applicants must be members of SVA and enrolled in an accredited institution to be eligible. Each scholarship may have additional specific criteria related to the sponsor's focus.
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship
This scholarship provides financial aid to children of post-9/11 veterans who have a combined VA disability rating of 50% or higher or have died on active duty. The award amount varies based on financial need and can cover significant college expenses.
Local Organizations in San Francisco Supporting Student Veterans
Swords to Plowshares
Swords to Plowshares provides various educational resources to veterans in the San Francisco area. They offer different forms of assistance, including financial aid for education and vocational training.
California Veterans Education Assistance Program (CalVet)
CalVet offers educational benefits to veterans residing in California, including those in San Francisco. Their College Fee Waiver program can cover tuition and fees at any California community college, California State University, or University of California campus—additionally, CalVet partners with various organizations to provide scholarships and grants for veterans pursuing higher education.
Northern California Grantmakers
Northern California Grantmakers offers San Francisco Bay Area veterans scholarships and financial aid opportunities. They collaborate with local foundations and corporations to provide grants and scholarships that support veterans' educational goals. Their programs often focus on assisting veterans transitioning from military service to academic environments.
While many opportunities are available, student veterans must corroborate any outside scholarship information with their university and the Veterans Administration (VA). This ensures that the scholarships align with their financial aid packages and comply with all regulations. Leveraging these scholarships helps reduce education costs and provides valuable networking and support systems essential for academic success.