HomeExternal Scholarship Opportunities

External Scholarship Opportunities

Vigilant Torch has the honor of referring qualified candidates to multiple scholarships each year through the Special Operations Fund (SOFund). As these opportunities become available, we inform our members as well as prior scholarship applicants about the particular programs and their deadlines. We then collect applications and select our candidate to send forward to SOFund. SOFund then chooses a recipient from candidates provided by Vigilant Torch and other partner organizations.

Not a member of Vigilant Torch? Apply today to become eligible to apply for our TORCH Scholarship and SOFund scholarships.

Current Opportunities

The Special Operations Fund (SOFund) is offering Vocational, Technical, and Community College (VOTECH) Scholarships. These scholarships may be applied for in addition to VTF's TORCH Scholarship.

SOFund VOTECH Scholarships are $3,000 annually, limited to 2 years, and to be used for VOTECH studies. The VOTECH program selected can be either a career/technical school that results in a professional license (HVAC, welding, plumbing, metalworking, electrician, landscaping, beautician, culinary, aesthetician, auto mechanic, gunsmithing, commercial driver’s license, court reporting, bookkeeping, veterinarian technician, dental technician, computer sciences, paramedic/EMT, etc.) or a community college course of study or program which results in a degree or license (A.A., A.S., LPN, etc.). Selection is based on employment experience/volunteer service, demonstrated leadership, academic achievement (minimum 2.5 GPA), career interest, written goals, and recommendations.

Applications are accepted year-round. Please send all completed applications to scholarship@vigilant-torch.org.

Note: Those awarded VOTECH Scholarships last year do not need to reapply for year two.

2024 VOTECH Guide and Timeline

2024 VOTECH Application

The TF-7294 Nick Goshen Scholarship Fund honors LTC Nick Goshen's extraordinary legacy. Nick served in various units, including the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 101st Airborne Division. This scholarship provides educational support to TF-7294 members and their families, carrying forward Nick's values of service, dedication, determination, and character.

Nick's mantra, "Falling down doesn't make you a failure. Staying down does," embodied his approach to life and his distinguished military career, including seven combat deployments and multiple commendations, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor.

To be eligible for the TF-7294 Nick Goshen Scholarship, applicants must be either a member of TF-7294 or a family member of a TF-7294 member who is pursuing post-secondary education or trade schools. This includes spouses, children, and other dependents who have been directly impacted by the service and sacrifice of the task force members. Deadline for applications is February 1, 2025.

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