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Many veterans experience difficulties when transitioning back into civilian life. Our Sentinels have the additional burden of being severely wounded, which often prevents them from doing what they did in the military or other physically demanding jobs. As they struggle to overcome their injuries it can be difficult for them to envision a rich and fulfilling life.
Sentinel’s Bridge for Education assists wounded veterans in finding their unique path to a fulfilling post-military life. Sentinel’s Bridge for Education helps fill the gaps GI Bill payments do not cover. This allows Sentinels to focus their attention on their studies, career, and family.
Each Sentinel must have a VA disability rating of 50% or higher and have been wounded or injured in a combat or training-related event post 9/11 and be committed to pursuing their higher education.
The Sentinel’s Bridge for Education program is comprehensive, multifaceted, and based upon each individual’s needs. As our veterans move through school, ongoing assistance is provided in the way of mentoring, life skills coaching, career development and networking, budgeting, financial planning, and more.
Throughout the multi-year program, each Sentinel receives a case manager who helps guide them throughout their entire journey. With check-ins during the year, they address any potential roadblocks to ensure a continued road to success.
Thanks to your generosity, the personal sacrifices made by these heroic men and women were not in vain. Their dreams of meaningful employment and self-sufficiency will be met.
Sentinel’s Bridge for Education provides support to veterans completing their higher education. This comprehensive multi-year program guides their journey to success in the following ways:
We are there to support our Sentinels’ full educational journey in line with their capabilities and goals. Sentinel’s Bridge for Education helps fill the gaps GI Bill payments do not cover such as transportation to school, computers, and specialty supplies. This allows Sentinels to focus their attention on their studies, career, and family.
We make sure that housing does not become an obstacle to our Sentinels’ success. By providing a nominal housing subsidy for up to four years, we can help relieve financial stress and allow our Sentinels to focus their attention on furthering their education.
Sentinels are guided by mentors who help them identify, prepare for, and then conquer goals they face along the way — including those that may seem insurmountable at first glance.
We are there to support our Sentinels’ full educational journey in line with their capabilities and goals. Sentinel’s Bridge for Education helps fill the gaps GI Bill payments do not cover such as transportation to school, computers, and specialty supplies. This allows Sentinels to focus their attention on their studies, career, and family.
We make sure that housing does not become an obstacle to our Sentinels’ success. By providing a nominal housing subsidy for up to four years, we can help relieve financial stress and allow our Sentinels to focus their attention on furthering their education.
Sentinels are guided by mentors who help them identify, prepare for, and then conquer goals they face along the way — including those that may seem insurmountable at first glance.
At Sentinels of Freedom, it is our mission to provide severely wounded & injured post 9/11 veterans with comprehensive personal support and financial assistance as they complete their higher education and achieve success in their post-military careers. Sentinels of Freedom is here to walk alongside them in their journey.
Sentinels of Freedom has two application windows:
Window #1 (for fall semester): Nov. 2nd – June 1st.
Decision notification will be made in late July for August start.
Window #2 (for spring semester): June 2nd – Nov. 1st.
Decision notification will be made in late December for January start.
Application may be submitted at any time, but will only be reviewed after the stated deadlines for the respective windows.
The Bridge for Education is a multiyear comprehensive support program that focuses support in the following areas:
EDUCATION
Veterans in our program are required to continue their formal education in line with their capabilities and goals. Education must be through a VA-approved school.
HOUSING
We provide a nominal housing subsidy for up to two years paid directly to the housing provider to relieve financial stress and allow our Sentinels to focus their attention on furthering their education.
MENTORING
We facilitate the identification of potential mentors and introductions to individuals who can assist in professional planning and personal and career development throughout the program term and as alumni.
CAREER & NETWORKING ASSISTANCE
During the program term and as alumni the Sentinels are presented with various networking opportunities to further their career path and can be introduced to prospective employers.
FINANCIAL COACHING & PLANNING
Free financial coaches and planners are available to each Sentinel. This can be by request or it may be required by SOF due to financial circumstances of the individual. The planners will help the Sentinel to establish basic budgeting skills and learn how to build up their financial worth.
We have two application windows:
Window #1 (for fall semester): Applications accepted until June 1.
The accepted applicants will be notified in late July for August school start.
Window #2 (for spring semester): Applications accepted until November 1.
The accepted applicants will be notified in late December for January school start.
Applications may be submitted at any time but will only be reviewed after the two primary review deadlines.
No, you can apply and be accepted before, but you must be honorably discharged for our financial services to begin.
No, except in rare circumstances. Most financial awards are for monthly housing. However, in some cases where there may be a tuition gap between VA coverage and actual costs, we may consider directing monies directly to a school for tuition credit in those cases.
The average application package takes one to two weeks to assemble due to the gathering of documents and letters of recommendation. No part of the application is difficult or particularly time-consuming. You may begin a file at any point during our two annual application windows, so advance planning will allow you plenty of time to complete the necessary items.
Our application windows close June 1 and November 1. Those accepted will be notified in late July and December, respectively. Once you’ve completed your part, we will communicate with you to arrange one or more personal phone interviews before finalizing your submission. Your application will then be sent to our review committee and then to the board of directors for final determination. The selection shall be made without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. The award determination will be made on the selection committee’s opinion of the overall quality of the application and essay, pending the board of directors’ final approval. The decision of the committee and board of directors is final and not subject to a review policy.
If an applicant has pending or previous legal charges, they will be reviewed by our review committee and considered on a case-by-case basis. In an effort to maintain a safe and professional community, SOF has an accredited third party to perform a criminal record and background check on each applicant. Applicants are expected to comply with the background check and respond truthfully to our Request for Additional Information.
In general, Sentinels of Freedom does not accept applicants who have drug, weapons, or violent felony charges or convictions. All results are confidential and are not shared outside.
“Post-service, the thought of obtaining an advanced degree while working full-time to support a family seemed out of reach. I am so thankful for the day that I was introduced to this program, and the amazing men and women that make it all possible.”