The Tillman Scholarship program was established in 2008 to provide support for nation’s active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses, investing in their higher education.
Since its inception, the Foundation has honored over 400 Tillman Scholars across more than 100 institutions nationwide
Eligibility For Tillman Scholarship Applicants:
We encourage veterans and active-duty military service members to submit their applications.
Eligibility extends to those who have received an honorable discharge after pre- and post-9/11 service, regardless of their military branch, which includes National Guard and Reserve members.
Current spouses of veterans or active-duty service members, including surviving spouses, are welcome to apply.
Service members or spouses who are pursuing a full-time* degree can apply, whether it’s an undergraduate or a graduate/professional degree.
The degree pursuit should be at an accredited institution based in the U.S., be it public or private.
*Note: The term “full-time” indicates a primary commitment to the educational program
Selection Criteria for Tillman Scholarship
To be considered for the Tillman Scholar program, applicants are evaluated based on the following factors:
- Educational and Career Aspirations: Clear articulation of academic and professional goals.
- Military Service and Community Impact: Documented history of military service or impactful contributions as a military spouse.
- Personal Achievements: Demonstrated individual accomplishments and milestones.
- Community Service Involvement: Active engagement in serving the community.
- Commitment to Ongoing Service: Strong desire to continue making positive contributions to the community.
- Leadership Potential: Recognized potential to lead and inspire.
- Essay Question Responses: Thoughtful, comprehensive, and genuine responses to essay questions.
Application Process:
- Prepare the following documents in digital format for upload:
- Proof of military service and/or community impact as a military spouse.
- For discharged service members: Provide your latest DD-214 (ensure SSN is blocked out).
- Reservists or National Guard applicants can submit alternate military service verification forms.
- Note: All submitted verification forms will be validated.
- Create a comprehensive résumé that covers:
- Educational background.
- Work history.
- History of public service involvement.
- Recognitions and awards received.
- Craft thoughtful responses to two essay questions covering the following topics:
- Motivation and experiences in military and public service.
- Educational, career, and service aspirations.
- Obtain a character recommendation from a third-party.
- If you progress in the selection process, additional information will be requested at various stages:
- Student aid report from FAFSA.
- Provide two photos: one from military service and another with your spouse.
- Institutional financial aid award letter.
- Complete a background check.
Award Requirements For Tillman Scholarship:
- As an ambassador of the Pat Tillman Foundation and a Tillman Scholarship, you are required to fulfill the following obligations:
- Compulsory Participation: Attend the Pat Tillman Leadership Summit in Chicago during July. All expenses covered.
- Maintain Full-Time Student Status: Stay enrolled as a full-time student.
- Academic Excellence: Maintain a strong academic record with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Responsive Cooperation: Respond to requests from the Pat Tillman Foundation, which may include completing surveys.
- Exemplary Character and Leadership: Display a high standard of moral character and exhibit leadership qualities.
- Event Participation: Attend the Pat Tillman Leadership Summit and other Foundation events in your regional area.
- Active Involvement: Engage actively within the Tillman Scholar and Pat Tillman Foundation Community.
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Benefits of Being a Tillman Scholar:
- The scholarship comprehensively covers educational expenses: tuition, fees, books, and living costs.
- However, the advantages go beyond financial support.
- The program brings together exceptional military talent and leadership to create a meaningful impact across diverse fields such as medicine, law, business, policy, technology, education, and the arts.
Apart from educational funding, Tillman Scholars enjoy the following perks:
- Tillman Community Access: Connect with the Tillman network and seize leadership opportunities within it.
- Invitation to Annual Pat Tillman Leadership Summit: Attend the prestigious summit held in Chicago, IL.
- Participation in Pat’s Run: Join the annual Pat’s Run in Tempe, AZ, or take part in nationwide Shadow Runs.
- Exclusive Partner Conferences: Gain entry to premier conferences including Inc. 500/5000.
- Access to Veteran Affinity Groups: Connect with veteran affinity groups and top U.S. companies’ talent acquisition networks.
- Engagement in Research Studies: Contribute to groundbreaking research in the veterans and military community.
- Leading and Volunteering Opportunities: Lead and volunteer with esteemed veteran partner organizations such as Team Rubicon, The Mission Continues, and Team RWB.