The Sky Soldiers Foundation Scholarship Program awards are a living memorial to the Sky Soldiers of the 173d Airborne Brigade who made the supreme sacrifice while in service to our country.
The Scholarship Program recognizes achievement and supports applicants pursuing higher education and demonstrating potential to earn degrees at accredited educational institutions, including technical schools, community colleges, colleges or universities.
2020 has been a challenging year in so many ways. Even though the coronavirus disrupted many educational programs, applicants persevered and showed the ability to navigate adversity.
The Sky Soldiers Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s recipients.
In 2020 the Foundation Scholarship Committee received 19 completed applications, and all of whom are to be commended on their goals and aspirations for higher education. They are the future of our country. Some students are just beginning their college careers, while others are working on advanced degrees. Their areas of chosen study vary widely but their level of commitment is apparent.
The scholarship sponsor is required to be a member in good standing with the 173d Airborne Association or KIA. The Scholarship Committee rates each application on its individual merits without knowing the names of the applicants. Committee members pass their decisions to the Scholarship Chairman and, depending on the funding available for that cycle, the number of awards are determined. This number varies from year to year based on donations by members.
Application guidelines, deadlines, and updates can be found at Scholarships
This year the Sky Soldiers Foundation awarded 9 scholarships, each in the amount of $1173.
All nine scholarships in 2020 were supported by specific donors and an endowment. The Scholarship Committee wants to recognize and thank these sponsors of full scholarships.
Charlie Company 1/503rd Memorial Award
Raymond Zaccone (Charlie Company 2/503d) Memorial Award – Anonymous Donor
Sky Soldiers Foundation President’s Award
21st Century Sky Soldier Scholarship Endowment – 6 awards (This endowment was created by a Vietnam-era Sky Soldier specifically to assist 21st Century Sky Soldiers and their families – earnings from this endowment determine the number of awards in any given year)
Donations are critical to continue the Sky Soldiers Foundation Scholarship program
This important program can only continue and expand the scope and scale of opportunities we extend to our Sky Soldiers and their families through the generosity of the members and families of the Association. Please consider a donation to the Sky Soldier Foundation Scholarship Fund. Any gift is tax-deductible and greatly appreciated. More information on how to donate, how to establish a designated endowment, or how to become more involved in the Scholarship Fund is available here: www.skysoldiersfoundation.org/Scholarship-Fund
