The Pat Tillman Foundation has begun accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Tillman Scholar program.
The merit-based scholarships worth an average of $10,000 per academic year can go toward academic or living expenses.
The foundation began accepting applications Dec. 1, 2024, and will continue to accept them through Feb. 1, 2025.
Who Are Tillman Scholars?
Family and friends of the late NFL star Pat Tillman established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Tillman's death in April 2004 while he was serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan.
Founded in 2008, the program supports active-duty service members, veterans and their spouses with academic scholarships, a "diverse network of high-performing peers, mentors and industry leaders," and professional development opportunities, empowering them to make an impact at home and around the world in fields such as medicine, law, business, technology, education, the arts and more. Tillman Scholars also receive leadership development through events or training.
Through the Tillman Scholars program as of 2024, more than 900 participants had received more than $37 million in benefits, including scholarships to more than 150 institutions.
Who May Apply to Be a Tillman Scholar?
The scholarship is open to active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses who are attending, or plan to attend, a U.S.-based college full time, pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher. Online students are eligible provided they attend full time.
Applicants don't have to already have been accepted to a school to apply, but they must be accepted to at least one school by April 1 of the year of the initial award.
What Are the Requirements to Be a Tillman Scholar?
Tillman Scholars demonstrate "service beyond self, in and out of uniform," scholarship and intellectual growth, humble leadership, and determination to "unite others and advance ideas that change the world."
There is no minimum grade-point average to apply, but recipients must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to continuing receiving the scholarship.
Requirements to apply include an essay, a point of contact for a character recommendation, proof of military service, evidence of financial need and, once the application reaches the interview stage, a background check.
For more information visit the Pat Tillman Foundation's website.
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