The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans says 416 new military veterans will receive college scholarships from the association's program designed for those who have served honorably in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
The Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship program offers returning veterans a chance to obtain a higher education.
"We are extremely proud to add more than 400 military scholars to the Horatio Alger family. These remarkable veterans have fought to protect our country and should be given the opportunity for an education in return," said Horatio Alger Association Executive Director Terrence J. Giroux. "As more and more Americans continue to serve, our program continues to grow."
The scholarship fund totals more than $15 million, thanks to Horatio Alger member and treasurer, Ambassador George L. Argyros and his wife Julia. The pair was inspired to create the program in 2005. The 2008 application will be available through April 15. Applications can be found at www.horatioalger.org/scholarships_military.
Scholarship recipients will each be awarded $5,000 to support their undergraduate education. Eligible applicants to the Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship must demonstrate the following: Service under the U.S. military in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan or Operation Iraqi Freedom beginning Sept. 11, 2001 or later; honorable service record under the U.S. military; critical financial need; intention to pursue a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university in the United States (awardees may begin their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution); no more than 60 cumulative semester/credit hours by the end of the 2007 term; minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0; integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity; and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.