Thursday, April 20, 2017

UNCW’s Student Veterans Organization is lending a helping hand to military spouses seeking to further their education. The organization has set up a scholarship for military spouses who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at UNCW.

“Our organization was inspired to contribute to this scholarship in recognition of the critical support spouses and family provide,” said Zachariah Zhorne, secretary of the UNCW SVO. “With this scholarship, we hope to support and encourage military spouses to pursue their life’s goals and dreams. Our mission is their success.”

The UNCW Office of Military Affairs, along with the Division for University Advancement, has been working to finalize a partnership between UNCW and the National Military Family Association, a nonprofit organization that offers scholarship opportunities, professional development and career guidance to military spouses. One stipulation of the partnership is that the university provides a scholarship specifically for military spouses.

“When the Student Veterans Organization heard about our efforts, they immediately responded to the call for action and, within a few weeks, had raised the necessary funds to establish a scholarship for a deserving military spouse,” said Siobhan Norris, military student support specialist.

The SVO scholarship application process is open. Preference will be given to spouses registered with NMFA. To apply, visit the Military-Affiliated Scholarship website.

Other military-focused scholarship opportunities offered at UNCW include Trask Land Company Champions of Freedom Scholarship, the Sankey L. Blanton Scholarship, the MSGT. E.S. Moncrief Military Dependents Scholarship and the Step Up for Soldiers Scholarship.

UNCW’s Strategic Plan emphasizes providing military-affiliated students with an accessible, affordable education. The partnership with NMFA will allow the university to increase support programming on campus for military spouses, while the association will use its platforms to provide information about scholarship opportunities and resources at UNCW. Visit the National Military Family Association website to learn more or to register as a member.

-- Venita Jenkins

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#ADVANCEMENT