Honoring the Greatest Generation: Scholarships for Descendants of WWII Veterans
People who have the honor to be a descendant of a World War II veteran know why their ancestors are considered the Greatest Generation. Now, those same people can further benefit from their forbearers’ work and dedications by qualifying for a scholarship that honors WWII vets by paying for their descendants to get a higher education. These scholarships, offered by national non-profits and private foundations, recognize the sacrifices made by WWII veterans and aim to support the educational aspirations of their descendants.
Eligibility and Application
If you know a grandparent or great grandparent of yours fought in WWII, you likely qualify for one of these scholarships. The application process typically involves submitting a resume, transcript, and information about your ancestor's service.
Specific Scholarship Opportunities
Several organizations offer scholarships specifically for descendants of WWII veterans. Here are some notable examples:
10th Mountain Division Scholarships
The Army’s famed mountain troops through an extensive collection of letters, photographs, maps, and personal records. Several scholarships are available to descendants of veterans who served in the 10th Mountain Division during WWII. These scholarships are designed to support students in their academic and professional pursuits, honoring the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division.
Siena College Company I-85 10th Mountain Division Endowed Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to family members of 10th Mountain Division.
Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide
10th Mountain Division Foundation Forever Scholarship: Direct lineal descendants of a WWII 10th Mountain Division Veteran are eligible to apply for this $2,000 scholarship.
W.W. Boddington Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship is available to a WWII 10th Mountain Division Descendant who has previously been awarded the Foundation Forever or Descendants Pat Finn-Thornton Scholarships.
Charles A. and Loyola M. Murphy Endowed Scholarship for the Study of Military History: If you are pursuing doctoral or post-graduate studies with a direct relationship to the influence of the WWII or modern 10th Mountain Division, you will follow the instructions for the Charles A. and Loyola M. Murphy Endowed Scholarship for the Study of Military History. WWII descendancy is not required. The scholarships are awarded annually through the Northern New York Community Foundation and range from $5,000 to $1,000 based on merit. They are available for full-time undergraduate and /or technical school students. 10th Foundation Community College & Undergraduate Scholarships.
Two $3,000 scholarships offered annually to high school seniors who are members of the 10th Mountain Division Descendants Organization (anybody can become a member) and who will be attending an accredited institution of higher learning. The recipients will have demonstrated meritorious service, exemplifying the ideals and values of the 10th Mountain Division.
WWII Illinois Veterans Descendants Scholarship Fund
As evidence of their determination, in 2008 the Board created the WWII Illinois Veterans Descendants Scholarship Fund. "We finally have the scholarship program established! I think it's great," C. K. “Tuck” Belton, WWII Veteran and WWII Illinois Veterans Memorial Board Member stated. Since 2010, 24 students have been awarded scholarships and well over $30,000 has been offered to offset the costs of higher education for this “next generation”. "This particular scholarship program is integrated into the community.
Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships
Navy League Foundation Scholarships
College should never be out of reach for a family member of the sea services. The Navy League Foundation guarantees this support by awarding scholarships to high school seniors who will attend college in the fall. The Navy League Foundation is proud to announce scholarship recipients from the 2024-2025 cycle. These students come from families of sea service veterans and excelled in both academic achievements and extracurricular activities before attending college.We are able to award these scholarships thanks to the generous donations our foundation receives. The Navy League Foundation only offers scholarships for high school seniors who will attend an accredited institution of higher education in the Fall of the current award cycle. The Navy League Foundation exists through the generous donations of people like you helping to defray the cost of college education. Navy League Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your donations and support are tax deductible.
- Captain J. Phillip London Scholarship: The Captain J. Phillip London Scholarship honors the legacy of Capt. J. Phillip “Jack” London, USN (Ret.), a respected naval officer, business leader, and champion of service and integrity. Created to reflect his lifelong dedication to education and the sea-service community, this scholarship supports the children and grandchildren of enlisted sea-service personnel who are pursuing higher education and maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher. Through this award, the Navy League Foundation celebrates Capt.
Navy League and Columbia Southern University (CSU) Scholarship
Navy League and Columbia Southern University (CSU) have partnered to offer a a scholarship for military spouses. The recipient will receive 60 credit hours towards any degree program at CSU. This scholarship is open to a spouse of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, or United States Coast Guard personnel.
Families of World War II Veterans Scholarships
Families of World War II Veterans is a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the historical lessons of World War II are not forgotten. The mission of Families of World War II Veterans is to create scholarship opportunities for college-bound or continuing college students across the United States who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need. Contribute to the scholarship fund to support students' continued educations and honor veterans' sacrifices.
Additional Resources and Support
Monica Matthews' Expertise: Monica Matthews is the author of How to Win College Scholarships. She helped her own son win over $100,000 in college scholarships and now shares her expertise with other parents and their students. Her method of helping students in finding college scholarships, writing unique and compelling scholarship essays, creating amazing scholarship application packets, and more have taught desperate parents to help their own students win thousands of scholarship dollars. She teaches them how to apply S.M.A.R.T. All of my winning scholarship strategies are found right here >>Open to High School Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors!
10th Mountain Division Resource Center: Do you have letters, photos, maps, diaries, or other materials that capture your family’s connection to the 10th Mountain Division? Our partnership with the 10th Mountain Resource Center and the Denver Public Library ensures that your original documents and memorabilia are safely archived and accessible for future generations.
Read also: Scholarship Guide
Adopt a 10th Mountain (Mt.) Platoon Program: The Adopt a 10th Mountain (Mt.) Platoon Program is how one community helps to reduce the adverse impacts of deployments on Soldiers and their families. The community is in upstate New York and surrounds Fort Drum, the home of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). The 10th Mt Division like most Army units has not been at home a lot since Desert Storm. The Adopt a 10th Mt. We are proud to offer scholarships that honor the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division by supporting students, service members, and descendants in their academic and professional pursuits.
Preserving History and Strengthening Communities
Beyond financial assistance, these scholarships often contribute to broader goals such as historical preservation and community strengthening. For example, the 10th Mountain Division Association strengthens communities through education and historical preservation. Membership offers learning, leadership, and a nationwide network-shaped by your interests.
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