[July 15, 2014]

$6.6 Million Awarded in Higher-Education Scholarships to Children of Marines

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the Nation's oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships, announced today it will award a record-breaking 2,194 scholarships, valued at $6.6 million to children of Marine and Navy Corpsmen for the upcoming 2014-2015 academic year. This year's announcement brings the Scholarship Foundation's collective 52 years of higher-education support to 33,000 scholarships valued at nearly $90 million - an amount reflective of the continued dedication and commitment of the Scholarship Foundation's generous investors.

The rising cost of college tuition continues to be one of the largest obstacles faced by students today, especially in military families as the cost of college often outpaces their income. According to the Department of Labor, since 2002, college costs have inflated by an astounding 121 percent - outpacing both medical care (63 percent) and food (41 percent).

"At a young age, children of Marine and Navy Corpsmen face challenges that most people will never experience in a lifetime. These courageous and brave children deserve our full support," said Margaret B. Davis, President and CEO, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. "Our scholarship recipients are our Nation's future leaders. We must recognize their hard work and sacrifice, and honor the service of their parents."

The Foundation's scholarship recipients are a living example of why no deserving Marine son or daughter should be left behind,especially as they embody Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment highlighted by a graduation rate of 86 percent, 50 percent being first-generation college students, and 89 percent attending a four year college or university. Additionally, 45 percent of scholarship recipients are majoring in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) fields - a driving force in the U.S. economy and a necessary skill for more than 28 million jobs.

"A simple 'thank you' does no justice to those who have blessed me with this amazing scholarship and opportunity," Isaiah Leiva, scholarship recipient, University of North Carolina double major in Nursing and Spanish, and son of Sergeant Major Luis Leiva. "Being awarded this scholarship has not only benefited me but has also taken a tremendous burden off the shoulders of my parents, for this I am extremely thankful."

To honor student recipients and their families, the Scholarship Foundation will host Scholarship Announcement Ceremonies - sponsored by Boeing (News - Alert) - in Washington, D.C. (July 15), Camp Lejeune, N.C. (July 18) and San Diego, Calif. (July 24). The D.C. ceremony will include remarks from General James F. Amos USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Ted Mitchell, U.S. Under Secretary of Education.

Since 1997, Boeing has generously supported the Foundation and provided scholarships for nearly 60 students, including nine students for the current 2014-15 academic year.

"Boeing creates opportunities and invests in partnerships that provide pathways to build better lives for the military and their families," said Lianne Stein, vice president for Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship. "Our investment with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation allows us to honor the service of countless men and women by enabling their children to achieve their educational goals and pursue the critical skills and experiences needed for a successful future."

The Scholarship Foundation continues to award a scholarship to every eligible student that applies and has since its inception in 1962.

About the Scholarship Foundation: Established more than 50 years ago, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the Nation's oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships for military children. Since its inception, the Scholarship Foundation has provided over 33,000 scholarships valued at nearly $90 million to the children of Marines who have been killed or wounded in combat or have demonstrated financial need. For more information on the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, please visit http://www.mcsf.org/.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]