Bridge for Education

Bridge for Education

Organization: Sentinels of Freedom

Geographic Scope: California, US

Mission: Provide severely wounded & injured post-9/11 veterans with comprehensive personal support as they complete their higher education and achieve success in their post-military careers.

Program Components

The Bridge for Education is a multi-year comprehensive support program focusing on:

• Education: Veterans must continue formal education at VA-approved schools
• Financial Coaching & Planning: Free financial coaches and planners available to help establish budgeting skills and build financial worth
• Job Assistance: Personalized resume building, interview preparation, skills assessment, employer connections, and access to educational programs like Udemy
• Mentoring: Identification and introduction to mentors for professional planning and personal/career development throughout program term and as alumni
• Career & Networking Assistance: Networking opportunities and prospective employer introductions during program term and as alumni
• Tutoring: Free basic and higher math tutoring; in-person tutoring with Community Colleges with Student Veteran Resource Centers

Eligibility Requirements

• Member of any branch of the armed forces (active, guard, or reserves)
• Wounded or injured in a combat or training-related event post-9/11
• Received a VA disability rating of 60% or higher (as listed on VA Rating Statement)
• Have received or will be receiving an honorable discharge
• Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in full-time post-secondary education or vocational school (SOF flexible on full-time requirement in certain circumstances depending on level of injury)
• Must attend a VA-approved school
• Highly motivated with drive to reach personal, educational, and career goals
• Must be willing to actively engage with mentor and networking opportunities

Application Status (As of April 3, 2026)

IMPORTANT: At this time, Sentinels of Freedom is evaluating the support currently being provided. The application window has been closed for Spring 2024. The current schedule will reopen once this evaluation process is completed. Applicants should complete the Contact Form to receive notification of updates.

Application Windows

• Window #1 (Fall Semester): Applications accepted until June 1st. Decision notification in late July for August start.
• Window #2 (Spring Semester): Applications accepted until November 1st. Decision notification in late December for January start.
• Applications may be submitted at any time but will only be reviewed after stated deadlines.

Award Details

• Primary Focus: Monthly housing support
• Tuition Support: Generally not provided except in rare circumstances where tuition gaps exist between VA coverage and actual costs; applicants must request specifically in personal statement
• Support continues through graduation and beyond as alumni

What SOF Does NOT Fund

• Generally does not accept applicants with drug, weapons, or violent felony charges or convictions
• Background checks are required and reviewed case-by-case

Contact Information

• Email: contact@sentinelsoffreedom.org
• Phone: 925-380-6342
• Address: P.O. Box 1316, San Ramon, CA 94583
• Federal Tax ID: 20-8139201

Key Philosophy

Focus on "education first" with individual, hands-on support for each veteran through comprehensive commitment to support until graduation. Program emphasizes "earning rather than giving," developing Sentinels as "thrivers" not just "survivors."