Thank you!
Thank you for your interest in the Pillars of Strength Scholarship Program and congratulations on taking the first step toward going back to school.
Important Instructions
We will reach out via email with next steps. Please point all questions or concerns to pillarsofstrength@umgc.edu.
FAFSA
If you have not already done so, be sure to complete the FAFSA by April 30, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. UMGC's school code is 011644.
Pillars of Strength Submission Requirements
E-mail your supporting documentation to pillarsofstrength@umgc.edu by April 30, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Include your application ID (which will be provided to you) in your e-mail.
You will need to submit
- One document containing short essay responses to all five of the following prompts:
- Describe the circumstances and challenges of your caregiver role and the condition of the recovering servicemember or veteran you care for. (200-word minimum required)
- Describe your personal, academic, and career achievements to date. (200-word minimum required)
- Describe your extracurricular interests and pursuits and any of your volunteer or community activities. (200-word minimum required)
- Describe what you hope to achieve with this scholarship. How will it help you achieve your goals? How will it help you and your family overcome challenges? (300-word minimum required)
- How will you represent UMGC, The Blewitt Foundation, and the National Military Family Association as an alumnus of the Pillars of Strength Scholarship Program? (100-word minimum required)
- A signed letter of reference from someone familiar with your circumstances and qualifications; the letter should not be from a family member.
- Documentation of your caregiver role including the condition of the recovering servicemember or veteran who you assist; examples of documentation include, but are not limited to:
- DoD nonmedical attendant orders
- A letter from a nurse case manager
- A letter from a military commander verifying a servicemember or veteran's need for a caregiver
- A letter from a VA Caregiver Support Program case manager
- Proof of enrollment in the VA Caregiver Support Program, such as a pay stub from the past 60 days or an enrollment letter
If you have any questions about this scholarship, please e-mail pillarsofstrength@umgc.edu or visit UMGC's Pillars of Strength Scholarship Program webpage.
