Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

07/23/2021

Did you know that the Scholarship Foundation accepts applications for CTE scholarships all year? Scholarships that help students like Brady pursue their dreams. Studying at Mid-State Technical College, Brady intends to become a master electrician. He told us how dual structure of his apprenticeship program – working alongside a master electrician in addition to classroom work – appeals to his desire to work with his hands and develop the skills he will need.

Did you know that the Scholarship Foundation accepts applications for CTE scholarships all year? Scholarships that help students like Brady pursue their dreams. Studying at Mid-State Technical College, Brady intends to become a master electrician. He told us how dual structure of his apprenticeship program – working alongside a master electrician in addition to classroom work – appeals to his desire to work with his hands and develop the skills he will need.

07/21/2021

For over forty years, the Marine Corps Aviation Association has been a steadfast supporter of the Scholarship Foundation. They’ve donated nearly half a million dollars to support Marine and Navy Corpsmen families, a testament to their commitment to support organizations that help Marine families. The MCAA’s consistent support of both the National Capitol Area Celebratory Gala and Capital Area Golf has made them a key member of our DC community. Thank you to the MCAA for their incredible support!

For over forty years, the Marine Corps Aviation Association has been a steadfast supporter of the Scholarship Foundation. They’ve donated nearly half a million dollars to support Marine and Navy Corpsmen families, a testament to their commitment to support organizations that help Marine families. The MCAA’s consistent support of both the National Capitol Area Celebratory Gala and Capital Area Golf has made them a key member of our DC community. Thank you to the MCAA for their incredible support!

07/19/2021

Olivia, daughter of veteran Captain David Taylor USMC, is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She says civil engineering , “combines my love of math and hard sciences with my creativity and open mind.” Outside of the classroom she’s a member of the Society for Women in Engineering and volunteers with the local chapter of the Legion. While many of her classes have been virtual, Olivia says the determination of her professors and classmates throughout the pandemic has enriched her college experience. Like her fellow Marine Scholars, she has taken on these challenges with the values of Honor, Courage and Commitment from her father.

Olivia, daughter of veteran Captain David Taylor USMC, is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She says civil engineering , “combines my love of math and hard sciences with my creativity and open mind.” Outside of the classroom she’s a member of the Society for Women in Engineering and volunteers with the local chapter of the Legion. While many of her classes have been virtual, Olivia says the determination of her professors and classmates throughout the pandemic has enriched her college experience. Like her fellow Marine Scholars, she has taken on these challenges with the values of Honor, Courage and Commitment from her father.

07/14/2021

Rodolfo describes his stepfather, Gunnery Sergeant Rafael Barias USMC (Ret.), as “my number one supporter.” Rodolfo attends Nova Southeastern University, where he studies Marine Biology. After graduating, he hopes to study sharks. Thanks to his scholarship, Rodolfo can attend his dream university and is on track to graduate debt-free. Because of that he said, “my school experience will be a lot less stress on me and my family.”

Rodolfo describes his stepfather, Gunnery Sergeant Rafael Barias USMC (Ret.), as “my number one supporter.” Rodolfo attends Nova Southeastern University, where he studies Marine Biology. After graduating, he hopes to study sharks. Thanks to his scholarship, Rodolfo can attend his dream university and is on track to graduate debt-free. Because of that he said, “my school experience will be a lot less stress on me and my family.”

07/09/2021

Entering her senior year, Madeleine is about to complete her studies at West Virginia University where she is a member of the Honors College. She’s an Interdisciplinary Studies major specializing in psychology, biology and Spanish. Outside of the classroom, Madeleine volunteers to clean up trash in her community and at the local food pantry. She’s passionate about giving back—Madeleine wants to become a coral reef technician and help grow and rebuild the world’s coral reefs. She told us, “This scholarship will decrease my financial burden greatly, and without the stress of making ends meet, I'll be able to delve further into my education.”

Entering her senior year, Madeleine is about to complete her studies at West Virginia University where she is a member of the Honors College. She’s an Interdisciplinary Studies major specializing in psychology, biology and Spanish. Outside of the classroom, Madeleine volunteers to clean up trash in her community and at the local food pantry. She’s passionate about giving back—Madeleine wants to become a coral reef technician and help grow and rebuild the world’s coral reefs. She told us, “This scholarship will decrease my financial burden greatly, and without the stress of making ends meet, I'll be able to delve further into my education.”

07/07/2021

Did you know you can support the Scholarship Foundation while you shop on Amazon? Go to smile.amazon.com and select “Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation” as your charity of choice and a portion of your future purchases will be donated to support Marine families! To date, more than $6,200 has been donated through this program.

Did you know you can support the Scholarship Foundation while you shop on Amazon? Go to smile.amazon.com and select “Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation” as your charity of choice and a portion of your future purchases will be donated to support Marine families! To date, more than $6,200 has been donated through this program.

07/04/2021

Happy Independence Day! We wish all of you a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Happy Independence Day! We wish all of you a safe and happy holiday weekend!

07/02/2021

Brandon, son of veteran Corporal Wilfred Pierce III, recently completed his degree in Spanish from Southern Utah University. He also minored in management and music, which he is passionate about. Outside of class, Brandon played in the Community Band and was a teacher at his local church. With his interest in music, Brandon plans to become an entertainment lawyer. He will be attending New England Law at Boston this upcoming Fall to begin the next step of his educational journey!

Brandon, son of veteran Corporal Wilfred Pierce III, recently completed his degree in Spanish from Southern Utah University. He also minored in management and music, which he is passionate about. Outside of class, Brandon played in the Community Band and was a teacher at his local church. With his interest in music, Brandon plans to become an entertainment lawyer. He will be attending New England Law at Boston this upcoming Fall to begin the next step of his educational journey!

06/30/2021

Today we wish fair winds and following seas to our President and CEO, General Robert Ruark USMC (Ret.). During his four years of leadership at the Scholarship Foundation, General Ruark put the organization on a path to continued success and strength with the development of a strategic plan that will guide the organization for years to come. During last year’s unpreceded circumstances, his steady hand guided critical initiatives to ensure that no child of a Marine in-need was left behind and that our staff remained safe and healthy. Most importantly, General Ruark oversaw the awarding of over 12,000 scholarships valued at nearly $43 million during his time at the Scholarship Foundation.

Thank you, General Ruark for your many contributions to the Scholarship Foundation. We know that your commitment to Marines and their families will never waiver. You can learn more about the next phase of leadership at the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation here: http://ow.ly/XcGg50FlNrT

Today we wish fair winds and following seas to our President and CEO, General Robert Ruark USMC (Ret.). During his four years of leadership at the Scholarship Foundation, General Ruark put the organization on a path to continued success and strength with the development of a strategic plan that will guide the organization for years to come. During last year’s unpreceded circumstances, his steady hand guided critical initiatives to ensure that no child of a Marine in-need was left behind and that our staff remained safe and healthy. Most importantly, General Ruark oversaw the awarding of over 12,000 scholarships valued at nearly $43 million during his time at the Scholarship Foundation.

Thank you, General Ruark for your many contributions to the Scholarship Foundation. We know that your commitment to Marines and their families will never waiver. You can learn more about the next phase of leadership at the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation here: http://ow.ly/XcGg50FlNrT

06/28/2021

Don’t miss ABC 7’s recap of last weekend’s 34th National Capital Area Celebratory Gala! We were thrilled to have their own Jonathan Elias as the Master of Ceremonies for this year’s event. Check out the recap below:

06/28/2021

Last weekend we were thrilled to have our first in-person dinner in over a year! The 34th National Capital Area Celebratory Gala brought together investors, alumni and staff for an evening of celebrating our mission of Honoring Marines by Educating Their Children. Marine Scholar alumni Stephen Frederico spoke about how his scholarship helped pave his path from his undergraduate studies at the College of Charleston to his current studies at Johns Hopkins University. Stephen will begin medical school at the University of Pittsburgh in the fall, continuing his research on treatment for brain tumors. Thank you to all who attended and to our wonderful M.C for the evening, Jonathan Elias!

Last weekend we were thrilled to have our first in-person dinner in over a year! The 34th National Capital Area Celebratory Gala brought together investors, alumni and staff for an evening of celebrating our mission of Honoring Marines by Educating Their Children. Marine Scholar alumni Stephen Frederico spoke about how his scholarship helped pave his path from his undergraduate studies at the College of Charleston to his current studies at Johns Hopkins University. Stephen will begin medical school at the University of Pittsburgh in the fall, continuing his research on treatment for brain tumors. Thank you to all who attended and to our wonderful M.C for the evening, Jonathan Elias!

06/25/2021

Born on the Marine Corps Birthday, Abel has known Honor, Courage and Commitment his entire life. His father, Master Gunnery Sergeant Andreas Garcia USMC (Ret.) served for 28 years. Abel said, “I try not to take anything for granted, because I know the sacrifice that our men and women serving in the military make every day.” This semester, Abel graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Film. He hopes to work in marketing or become a professional videographer. Abel has worked with a film crew on several short productions, including one about a Vietnam veteran, which won an award at a local film festival.

Born on the Marine Corps Birthday, Abel has known Honor, Courage and Commitment his entire life. His father, Master Gunnery Sergeant Andreas Garcia USMC (Ret.) served for 28 years. Abel said, “I try not to take anything for granted, because I know the sacrifice that our men and women serving in the military make every day.” This semester, Abel graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Film. He hopes to work in marketing or become a professional videographer. Abel has worked with a film crew on several short productions, including one about a Vietnam veteran, which won an award at a local film festival.

06/20/2021

Happy Father’s Day! Marine Scholar Rhiannon recently graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Anthropology, celebrating her achievement with her father, Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Schmidt USMC (Ret.). She plans to pursue a doctorate in osteology and do forensic work for the FBI. She describes her father as “Marine strong” and that he always told her “be strong, be smart, make smart decisions." Thank you to all dads for what they do today and every day!

Happy Father’s Day! Marine Scholar Rhiannon recently graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Anthropology, celebrating her achievement with her father, Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Schmidt USMC (Ret.). She plans to pursue a doctorate in osteology and do forensic work for the FBI. She describes her father as “Marine strong” and that he always told her “be strong, be smart, make smart decisions." Thank you to all dads for what they do today and every day!

06/18/2021

Rico James, the son of Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Romeo Castillo USN (Ret.), recently graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a degree in Biology. During his time in school, he volunteered with Operation Smile, the world’s largest surgical charity, including participating in a medical mission trip to Peru. Now, Rico James is working in a lab and preparing his dental school applications. He intends to become a dentist and continue giving back to his community. Thanks to his scholarship Rico James was able to graduate debt-free, ready for the next step in his educational journey.

You can invest in the next generation of leaders, students like Rico James, by including the Scholarship Foundation in your estate plans. Your legacy of generosity will become their future of service. Learn more about our planned giving options here: mcsf.planmygift.org

Rico James, the son of Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Romeo Castillo USN (Ret.), recently graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a degree in Biology. During his time in school, he volunteered with Operation Smile, the world’s largest surgical charity, including participating in a medical mission trip to Peru. Now, Rico James is working in a lab and preparing his dental school applications. He intends to become a dentist and continue giving back to his community. Thanks to his scholarship Rico James was able to graduate debt-free, ready for the next step in his educational journey.

You can invest in the next generation of leaders, students like Rico James, by including the Scholarship Foundation in your estate plans. Your legacy of generosity will become their future of service. Learn more about our planned giving options here: mcsf.planmygift.org

06/14/2021

For the 2021-2022 academic year, the Scholarship Foundation awarded a record $9.2 million in scholarships to over 2,500 children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen. This historic announcement comes as the Scholarship Foundation appoints Ted Probert as its new President and CEO. Ted Probert will begin his new role on July 1st, taking over from LtGen Robert Ruark USMC (Ret.). Read more about this special announcement here: http://ow.ly/oaet50Fa4zw

For the 2021-2022 academic year, the Scholarship Foundation awarded a record $9.2 million in scholarships to over 2,500 children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen. This historic announcement comes as the Scholarship Foundation appoints Ted Probert as its new President and CEO. Ted Probert will begin his new role on July 1st, taking over from LtGen Robert Ruark USMC (Ret.). Read more about this special announcement here: http://ow.ly/oaet50Fa4zw

06/09/2021

Congratulations to Marine Scholar Jennifer, who recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Fire and Emergency Response Administration! Inspired by her veteran Marine father, she hopes to continue to build her career in Public Safety and be a role model for her own children. Jennifer said, “I will continue to give to my community and focus on how I can take this education and use it to pay it forward to others who also wish to reach their goals.”

Congratulations to Marine Scholar Jennifer, who recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Fire and Emergency Response Administration! Inspired by her veteran Marine father, she hopes to continue to build her career in Public Safety and be a role model for her own children. Jennifer said, “I will continue to give to my community and focus on how I can take this education and use it to pay it forward to others who also wish to reach their goals.”