Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation

SOF has three main objectives for our scholarship recipients: (1) completion of post-secondary education, (2) procurement of meaningful and career-focused employment, and (3) establishment of financial independence. Accordingly, currently (1) at least 90% of Sentinels who graduate from the scholarship program have either earned post-secondary degrees or are near completion, (2) at least 70% of Sentinels who graduate from the program are employed within six months of graduation and at least 15% are continuing their education, and (3) at least 90% of Sentinels who graduate from the program have a stable place of residence that they call home and at least 90% consider themselves financially independent (compared to only 50% who enter the program and say daily expenses are a challenge). With this progression of success, our Sentinels become community leaders, successful business owners, veterans' awareness voices, and mentors themselves (all avenues for giving back). As they live, work, and serve in their communities, others – and particularly young people – are continually reminded of the return that comes from working hard to complete college, gain professional employment, and give back despite the circumstances.

We help the wounded veterans in our program accomplish their goals through our comprehensive, multi-faceted support program that is tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of each veteran we serve. One part of the process is our provision of a housing subsidy which allows veterans to concentrate on their studies while going to school full-time. We also assist with many other facets necessary to become a successful civilian by offering financial coaching and planning, resume building, mentoring, networking, and internship and career assistance. 1- Once enrolled in our program, Sentinels must submit each semester's course schedules. Staff and mentors review/assess the Sentinels' educational/personal goals, helping them attain goal #1 – completion of post-secondary education. 2- Sentinels are paired with one or more mentor(s) and provided with networking opportunities through our network of mentor volunteers and partnership with ACP (American Corporate Partners), helping them attain goal #2 – procurement of career-focused employment. 3- Financial coaches and planners assist with financial education and plans. SOF program staff go over monthly budget sheets and long term goals biannually with each Sentinel, helping them attain goal #3 – establishment of financial independence.

With a staff of seven operational and administrative professionals, we are highly efficient and transparent in our work. At Sentinels of Freedom, our staff of professionals and a host of nationwide volunteer mentors and corporate liaisons work cohesively to carefully guide each veteran through the scholarship process to successful completion.
In program year three, each Sentinel is paired with a volunteer mentor (at times, more) such as financial advisors, doctors, attorneys, and other professionals. Other volunteers serve as “connectors", introducing Sentinels to professional development and employment opportunities through SOF's extensive network of partner military, corporate, and community leaders across the country. SOF is continually looking for motivated individuals to become mentors (locally or virtually), drawn from a variety of organizations and industries. Volunteers also have the opportunity to serve through community-sponsored fundraising events such as an annual bike ride and various golf tournaments.

SOF currently serves 169 severely wounded and injured post 9/11 veterans and has helped 150 successfully transition into civilian life. Of the 150 graduates, 90% have earned a post-secondary degree, 95% are gainfully employed or pursuing more education, and 95% are financially independent. Of the 150 who have completed the program since 2007, many indicate that over the numerous veteran-related services offered to them, SOF's assistance was the most instrumental in their success. According to participant surveys, virtually all are professionally employed six months after graduation and consider themselves financially independent. All have a stable place of residence and two-in-three are volunteering within their community. Our short term goal for the program is to be able to accept 100 new Sentinels a year. In 2017, we have accepted 68.