Hope For The Warriors is taking applications through April 30 for the Fall 2022 semester for the Hope For The Warriors Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship Program.
The program recognizes and rewards post Sept. 11 spouses and caregivers for their strength and fidelity as they assume critical roles in the financial well-being of their families.
Since 2006, the nonprofit has given a number of scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 to individuals to be applied towards higher education to an accredited U.S. university, college, or trade school.
Kristy Warren, who serves as the Transition Case Manager and Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship Lead for Hope for the Warriors, said the nonprofit saw the need to give educational scholarships for spouses who have had to assume both parenting roles after their spouse was killed or severely injured in combat.
Eligibility is based on a spouse or caregiver’s ability to show that their post-Sept. 11 service member or veteran sustained a combat-related injury and/or has a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating to include Individual Unemployability.
The Hope For The Warriors Scholarship Program considers a combat-related injury to be an injury caused by armed conflict, hazardous duty, instrumentality of war, and simulated war.
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“A lot of spouses have had to put their career and dreams on hold to start a new career to support their family after their spouse has been severely injured and years later finally get to do what they want to do,” Warren said. “We want to recognize the need that education opens doors in people’s lives and helps build those meaningful careers.”
There are five scholarships that an individual can apply for, which include:
· Honorary Scholarship – awarded to those seeking graduate or post-graduate degree
· New Beginnings Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing an associate degree, entry-level classes, or training.
· Restoring Family Scholarship – awarded to spouses of the fallen.
· Restoring Hope Scholarship – awarded to a Master of Social Work student.
· Restoring Self Scholarship – awarded to those pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Since the program began, Hope For The Warriors has granted 183 Military and Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships, totaling $492,707.
“For me, I really just have recognized that education turns doors into windows in people’s lives and you’re able to gain those meaningful careers by having an educational foundation,” Warren said.
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She added that many clients pursuing higher careers such as a master's or Ph.D. are trying to enter fields such as psychology, social work, teaching, the medical field, and social services because they are using what they have gone through to support and help others.
Emily Holladay was no stranger to persevering through difficult times and using what life has thrown at her to help others.
As a military spouse who saw her husband overcome injuries sustained while overseas, she was inspired to pursue a career where she could care for others going through similar struggles.
Holladay was awarded the Spring 2022 Honorary Scholarship, in which she will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham to work towards a Master of Public Health with a concentration in epidemiology.
“Pursuing higher education has always been a dream of mine,” Holladay said. “When I found public health and epidemiology, I knew that I could impact my community and possibly the world. There are so many people who have unmet health needs, and I want to make health accessible to all.”
She said receiving the Honorary Scholarship has made an incredible impact on her family and her scholastic goals.
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“If you are a caregiver or military spouse and want to further your education, you need to apply to the program,” Holladay said. “Achieving your academic goals can open doors for you and your family. Additionally, you are connected with a wonderful organization, a community, and numerous other resources that may be helpful to you and your spouse.”
For the Spring of 2022, the nonprofit gave out 12 scholarships, according to Warren, who said that the amount of scholarships given out depends on what Hope For The Warriors’ budget looks like.
Once the deadline has come, a volunteer grading committee grades the essays the applicants have submitted and all individuals who applied will be notified on Aug.1 on whether they were chosen or not.
“Our goal is to really focus on being able to fund as many people as we can,” Warren said. “We want to impact as many lives as we can.”
To receive an application to apply for a scholarship for the Fall 2022 semester, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.