The Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children.

MCSF Blog

“Finally, it was enough” (Video)

Last month, we focused on a critical initiative: our Heroes Tribute Scholarship Program for Children of the Wounded – a one-of-a-kind program that provides up to $40,000 in scholarship support to every eligible child of wounded, ill or injured Marines. Earlier this week, we saw the impact of this program firsthand as we welcomed wounded Marines and their families to our Chicago Dinner for Children of the Severely Injured. It was an inspiring day with a clear highlight: the moment Sergeant Major Pat Wilkinson, father of three, took the stage.

SgtMaj Wilkinson shared with us what it was like to face the true costs of higher education and explained how the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation made his children’s dreams of a college education a reality:

“We quickly found out that the rapidly rising cost of a college education far outstripped our abilities to save. Our girls had worked hard in high school, and they had been awarded academic scholarships. It wasn’t enough. We applied our savings, and we applied for grants. It still wasn’t enough. Then our oldest, Allison, discovered the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. She applied and was granted a scholarship. And, finally, it was enough.”

We’re honored to invest in families like the Wilkinsons who have sacrificed so much for us. To learn more about the Wilkinson family and how our Heroes Tribute Scholarship Program has affected their lives, watch the video of SgtMaj Wilkinson’s full remarks here.

If You Can, You Must Scholarship Initiative

More than 14 years ago, Dakota Meyer, a U.S. Marine serving in the War in Afghanistan, risked his life to bravely save the lives of U.S. and Afghan forces in the Battle of Ganjgal. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the first living Marine in more than forty years to receive the award. Since leaving active duty, Dakota has embraced opportunities for continued service. Through his partnership with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the “If You Can, You Must” Scholarship will provide educational scholarships to the children of Marines and inspire the future leaders of America.

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