BRIDGE FOR EDUCATION
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.
Sentinels of Freedom supports our veterans with a well-rounded, all-encompassing program catered to their specific needs. This may include financial support, mentoring, networking, and overall guidance. Our support gives Sentinels flexibility to focus their attention on their studies, career, and family.
Each Sentinel must have a VA disability rating of 60% 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, multi-faceted, 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 the generosity of our donors, supporters, and corporate sponsors, 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:

MENTORING
Mentors are an integral part of the educational and professional journey. Sentinels are paired with a mentor who can share information about their career path, provide guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modeling.
EDUCATION
Case managers support our Sentinel’s educational journey in line with their capabilities and goals. Sentinel’s Bridge for Education helps by connecting Sentinels with local and national resources, networking opportunities, and encouraging them to connect with their Student Veteran Resource Centers. As challenges arise, case managers are able to assist Sentinels in navigating toward a solution.


HOUSING
Sentinels of Freedom ensures that housing does not become an obstacle to our Sentinels’ success. We may provide a nominal housing subsidy for up to four years. This is intended to help relieve financial stress and allow our Sentinels to focus their attention on furthering their education.
ELIGIBLE VETERANS ARE:

- 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.
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.
Complete the online application package which Includes:
- Authorization for Disclosure
- Request for Information Packet- Personal & Military Information, including housing, education, and injury information
- Personal Statement outlining education, career, and personal goals
- Financial Worksheet
- Photograph & Video Release
- Two Photographs
- DD 2-14 (Only Member 4 Form will be accepted)
- Letter of Recommendation
- College Transcripts, if applicable
- VA Rating Statement
- Background/ Credit Report
“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.”
Sentinel Ben Bentley
U.S. National Guard, Masters of Intelligence and Security Studies from The Citadel Military College