Tillman Scholars Program

The Pat Tillman Foundation's flagship scholarship program supporting the nation's active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses through academic scholarships, national networking, and professional development opportunities.

Geographic Scope: United States (public or private, U.S.-based, accredited institutions only)

Award Details:

• Approximately 60 scholars selected annually
• Coverage: Direct study-related expenses including tuition and fees, living expenses, and books
• Academic Level: Undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees
• Enrollment: Full-time students only
• Renewal: Scholarships are eligible for renewal
• Investment to date: Over $34 million invested since 2004; more than 850 scholars named at more than 100 academic institutions nationwide

Eligible Applicants:

• Active-duty military service members
• Veterans
• Military spouses

Selection Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate:

• Extraordinary academic and leadership potential
• Track record of perseverance
• Deep desire to impact change in communities and country through studies

Field of Study Focus: Medicine, law, business, policy, technology, education, and the arts

University Partners (18 institutions with invitation-only partnership status that help identify candidates):

• American University School of International Service
• Arizona State University
• Columbia University
• Georgetown University
• The George Washington University
• Gonzaga University
• Indiana University
• Texas A&M University
• The Ohio State University
• Syracuse University
• University of Arizona
• University of Maryland
• University of Minnesota
• University of Missouri System
• University of Oklahoma
• University of South Florida
• Florida A&M University
• University of California, Los Angeles

Scholar Benefits Beyond Funding:

• Lifetime investment in future leadership
• Connection to national network of 900+ scholars
• Professional development opportunities
• Annual Pat Tillman Leadership Summit
• Lifetime community and mentorship

Contact Information:

• Address: 180 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 2910, Chicago, IL 60601
• Website: pattillmanfoundation.org
• Application Portal: apply.ptf.org
• EIN: 20-1072336
• Status: Registered 501(c)(3)

Selection Timeline:

• Applications open: Early December (annually)
• Application deadline: February 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT
• Notification of results: No later than June
• Scholarships awarded: For academic year beginning in fall

Application Portal

• Apply Online: http://apply.ptf.org

Key Application Components

1. Personal Biography: Write about who you are, what you care about, and what fires you up
2. Application Essays: Multiple essays addressing:
   • Your passion and commitment to impact change
   • How your education aligns with societal challenges
   • Your personal story and values
   • Your vision for your future career and service
3. Letters of Recommendation:
   • Required from recommenders
   • Recommenders should be given:
   • Two months' advance notice
   • Information about the foundation and what they look for
   • Copy of your resume
   • Draft essays for context
4. Resume: Include academic and professional background

Application Tips from Current Scholars

• Find your voice: Research 800+ existing Tillman Scholar biographies on the PTF website to understand what the foundation values; this helps you reflect on and articulate your own story
• Tell your story: Use a connecting word or phrase throughout your application to create narrative cohesion. Build a theme describing where you came from and use that to show how you'll create impact going forward
• Be authentically you: Don't try to be what you think the foundation wants; show who YOU actually are through storytelling
• Plan ahead:
  • Give recommenders 2+ months notice
  • Revise essays multiple times
  • Have 2-3 trusted friends read and provide feedback
  • Reflect on what problems you're passionate about solving
• Know your why: It's okay if you don't know exactly what you want to do, but articulate what motivates you and what gets you out of bed in the morning

Timeline

• Application Period: December through early February (annually)
• Deadline: February 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT
• Decision Notification: By June

Support Available

• Live Q&A sessions with PTF staff
• Guidance at apply.ptf.org
• Resources for understanding eligibility requirements