BE A SENTINEL
At Sentinels of Freedom, it is our mission to provide severely wounded & injured post 9/11 veterans with comprehensive personal support 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.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE SENTINEL’S BRIDGE FOR EDUCATION?
- Member of any branch of the armed forces, active, guard or reserves who have been wounded or injured, in a combat or training related event post 9/11.
- Received a VA disability rating of 60% or higher as listed on their VA Rating Statement.
- Have received or will be receiving an honorable discharge.
- Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in full-time post-secondary education or vocational school. Must be a VA approved school (SOF can be flexible on the full-time requirement in certain circumstances, depending on the level of injury and ability to maintain full-time education).
- Highly motivated individuals with the drive to reach personal, educational, and career goals.
- Must be willing to actively engage with mentor and networking opportunities provided by SOF.
APPLICATION WINDOW
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.
APPLICATION FAQS
What does Bridge For Education include?
The Bridge for Education is a multi-year 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.
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 to learn how to build up their financial worth.
JOB ASSISTANCE
Sentinels of Freedom encompasses a range of services designed to help veterans transition into civilian careers seamlessly. These services may include personalized resume building, interview preparation, and skills assessment, tailored to highlight the valuable experience gained during military service. Additionally, job assistance programs connect veterans with employers who prioritize hiring from this dedicated pool of individuals. Furthermore, they may provide access to education programs, like UDEMY, to enhance existing skills or acquire new ones, ensuring veterans are equipped with the tools they need to excel in their chosen field.
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.
TUTORING
Recent studies regarding veteran dropout rates in the first year of Community College detail that a high percentage of veterans report anxiety and frustration in completing higher math requirements required to obtain a degree. For the veterans joining the Sentinels of Freedom Bridge for Education program, we can provide basic math and higher math tutoring at no cost to the veteran. We also can deliver in-person tutoring with Community Colleges with an active Student Veteran Resource Center with appropriate staffing and resources that align with our mission.
Who is eligible?
- Member of any branch of the armed forces, active, guard, or reserves who has been wounded or injured in a combat or training related event post 9/11.
- Received a VA disability rating of 60% or higher as listed on their VA Rating Statement.
- Have received or will be receiving an honorable discharge.
- Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in full-time postsecondary education or vocational school. Must be a VA-approved school (SOF can be flexible on the full-time requirement in certain circumstances, depending on the level of injury and ability to maintain full-time education).
- Highly motivated individuals with the drive to reach personal, educational, and career goals.
- Must be willing to actively engage with mentor and networking opportunities provided by SOF.
When should I apply?
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.
If you are just starting your educational journey, we recommend you apply for the window that aligns with the semester you will begin school. I.E. If you start in Fall, complete the Fall Application by the June 1st deadline.
Do I have to be discharged to apply?
No, you can apply and be accepted before, but you must be honorably discharged in order to remain in the program and receive financial support.
Does SOF pay college tuition?
How difficult is it to apply?
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.
What happens after I submit my completed application?
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.
What if I have a criminal record?
SOF Background Check 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.
“This amazing program has afforded me and my wife the opportunity to go back to school and pursue meaningful careers. Our family is forever grateful.”
Sentinel Andrew Leavine
U.S. Army, Bachelors of Educational Studies from Saint Leo University
