UI to offer scholarships to disabled veterans
Severely and permanently disabled veterans of the war against terrorism and their spouses are eligible for a new scholarship through the University of Idaho, the first of its kind in the country.
The Operation Education Scholarship will provide need-based financial support and resources such as help with housing, transportation, medical assistance and child care to military veterans wounded in combat since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to their spouses.
“We really want to support them fully,” UI spokeswoman Wendy Shattuck said. “That means more than just a check. That means resources. That means logistics.”
A committee led by Karen White, wife of university President Tim White, will work with each scholarship applicant individually to see what his or her needs are, Shattuck said, adding that there’s no way to know how much money each scholarship will include.
UI will begin accepting applications July 1; the first scholarship recipients are expected to begin at UI for fall semester, which starts Aug. 21.
Veterans and their spouses from all over the country are eligible, though preference may be given to Idaho residents.
“We will take as many as we can support,” Shattuck said. “Our goal at this point is modest in that we would be delighted to have one student apply and join us in the fall.”
Initial funding for the scholarships comes from the Helping Our Heroes Foundation, organized in 2004 to help veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. UI also is looking to alumni and other donors to continue funding.
Karen White announced the scholarship program Tuesday in Washington, D.C., with Idaho’s congressional delegation and other leaders. She said in a news release that the program is open to spouses in order to help those who may need to support a disabled veteran.
“We want to do anything we can to assist these individuals and their families,” she said in the release.
White said the university hopes the program serves as a blueprint for use by other universities and colleges.
Gov. Jim Risch lauded the program in a statement Tuesday, saying that it “truly demonstrates the support and gratitude that we have for our veterans.”
“To be able to receive financial support and other resources that will allow them an opportunity to pursue an education or a new career will certainly help our veterans transition back into civilian life,” Risch said.
To apply, veterans should contact John Sawyer, veterans affairs adviser at UI, at (208) 885-7979 or by e-mail at johns@uidaho.com.