External Scholarship Opportunities

The Special Operations Fund (SOFund) in partnership with Phillips Exeter Academy has announced the 2025 Exeter Summer Program Scholarship (Exeter Summer) in Exeter, New Hampshire, for children of active duty or retired service members of the special mission units supported by SOFund. 

This scholarship is for students entering their junior or senior year of high school in the fall 2025.

The 2025 Exeter Summer dates are from July 6 to August 7, 2025.

The Exeter Summer scholarship ($10,775) includes tuition, room and board, books, along with a transportation stipend. The transportation reimbursement is for up to $1,000, and includes travel for the student and one parent, and lodging one night before and one night after Exeter Summer.  Exeter provides students with a Lion Card preloaded with funds to cover the cost of books and fees. Parents have the option to add additional funds for use in other areas of campus (café and personal items in the bookstore).

 Deadline to apply is January 17,  2025.  Please send all completed applications to scholarship@vigilant-torch.org.

2025 Exeter Summer Program Guide and Timeline

2025 Exeter Summer Program Application

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.