The Pat Tillman Foundation offers scholarships and leadership development to excellent military service members, veterans, and spouses, assisting their impact in fields like healthcare, business, public service, STEM, education, and the humanities.
The Pat Tillman Scholarship supports active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses with funding for academic expenses such as tuition, books, and living costs. Beyond financial support, Tillman Scholars join a global network of leaders, mentors, and industry experts, and receive lifelong leadership development opportunities.
Scholars are invited to participate in events like the Pat Tillman Leadership Summit and Pat’s Run and gain key to exclusive partner events, mini-grants, and a platform to share their service and achievements. The scholarship is designed to empower military-affiliated individuals committed to forming positive change through education and community leadership.
Table of Contents
Overview of Pat Tillman Scholarship
| Name of Scholarship | Pat Tillman Scholarship 2025-26 |
| Organized By | Pat Tillman Foundation |
| Country | United State |
| Eligibility | Military service members, veterans, and Military spouses |
| Application Open | December 1, 2024 |
| Deadline | February 1, 2025 |
Benefits of Tillman Scholarship
- Military Scholarship: This program provides funding for academic expenses such as tuition, books, and living costs.
- Global Community: Access to a broad, diverse network of peers, mentors, and industry leaders.
- Lifelong Leadership Development: Offers opportunities to expand knowledge, skills, and understanding.
- Special Events and Opportunities:
- Invitations to the annual Pat Tillman Leadership Summit in Chicago.
- Entry to Pat’s Run.
- Access to $1,000 mini-grants for leadership development through training, certifications, or events.
- Opportunities to attend premier partner events like SXSW, Inc. 500/5000, Aspen Ideas Festival, and more.
- Recognition and Support: Tillman Scholars’ stories, academic pursuits, and service efforts are showcased on the foundation’s website and social media.
Tillman Scholar Program Requirements
- Eligible Applicants:
- Veterans and dynamic duty members from all U.S. Armed Forces branches (including National Guard), who served in pre- and post-9/11 eras.
- Current spouses of veterans or active service members, including surviving spouses.
- Educational Requirements:
- Must be a full-time student (as defined by their institution) at a U.S.-based, accredited institution for the fall/spring academic year.
- Eligible degrees:
- Full-time undergraduate degree (no certificates or associate’s degrees).
- Full-time graduate or professional degree (no certificates or associate’s degrees).
- Applicants do not need to attend a partnered university to apply.
- Ineligible Applicants:
- Child dependents.
- Cadets or current ROTC participants with future service commitments.
- Members of the U.S. Public Health Service, first responders (including law enforcement), and intelligence personnel who are not military veterans or spouses of veterans.
- Scholarship Details:
- Scholarships apply only to the upcoming academic year (fall/spring) and are not retroactive.
- Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Presents strong academic goals, leadership potential, and a commitment to positive change.
- Sees future years of service as a way to influence communities locally and globally.
Required Documents of PAT Scholarship
- Current resume
- Four short essays (200 words each)
- Character reference: A third party (not a letter of recommendation but responses to specific questions through the application tool)
- 250-word biography
- Completed FAFSA and a financial worksheet detailing household budget, including all income, expenses, and military benefits
- Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA
- Two photos: one from military service or with military spouse
- Proof of Military Service: most recent DD 214 (Member 4 preferred), or other relevant service records (e.g., Officer Record Brief, Enlistment Record Brief, etc.)
- Consent for the Pat Tillman Foundation to conduct a background check
Renew of Tillman Scholarship
The Tillman Scholar Award can be renewed annually, but specific criteria must be met for continued funding:
- Scholars need to stay on track with their expected graduation date.
- They must possess full-time student status with at least a 3.0 GPA.
- Active participation in the Tillman Scholar community is required.
- They should commit to service activities and be accountable for how they use the scholarship funds.
It’s important to note that the Tillman Scholarship can only be applied toward one post-secondary degree.
Pat Tillman Scholarship Deadline
Pat Tillman Scholarship application will start from the December 1, 2024 up to the February 1, 2025. The last date to fill the application of the Pat Tillman Scholarship is the 1st Feb 2025.