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University of Idaho Launches Scholarship Program for Wounded Veterans
June 20, 2006
WASHINGTON, D.C. and MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho today launched the Operation Education Scholarship, a pioneering program designed to help veterans severely and permanently wounded as a result of service since Sept. 11, 2001. The spouses of wounded veterans also will be eligible for the scholarship. It is the first such program in the nation.
The university will provide wounded veterans with financial support and resources – such as tuition, fees and books, on-campus housing, transportation, medical assistance, child care, adaptive equipment, tutoring and mentorship – at its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to assist veterans and their families as they re-enter civilian life. The university also has plans to partner with corporations around the country to offer internships and assist in job placement.
University of Idaho First Lady, Karen White, who will serve as chair of the new scholarship program, announced the Operation Education Scholarship at a news conference in Washington, D.C. She was joined by U.S. Senator Larry Craig from Idaho, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and a University of Idaho alumnus; the Honorable R. James Nicholson, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne – the former Governor of Idaho and also a University of Idaho alumnus. Other members of the Idaho Congressional delegation, Senator Mike Crapo and Congressman C. L. “Butch” Otter, participated in the announcement. University of Idaho President Timothy P. White and Associated Students of the University of Idaho President Humberto M. Cerrillo II also attended in support.
The University of Idaho will begin accepting applications for this unique scholarship July 1, 2006. The Helping Our Heroes Foundation, which provides funding, services and volunteers to veterans wounded in operations in Iraq or Afghanistan, has pledged initial funding and pledged continued support of the program. Major funding for the scholarship program will be provided by University of Idaho alumni and friends and from individuals, corporations and foundations who share the university’s interest in assisting America’s wounded veterans.
“Many members of the U.S. armed forces have sustained life-changing injuries that seem to limit their options when their time of service is complete. We are providing an avenue for them to pursue an education that will prepare them for a new life, as well as career opportunities,” said Karen White, who holds degrees in physical therapy, human nutrition and kinesiology.
“As a former student body president at the University of Idaho, and now as chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, I am extremely pleased that my alma mater is offering this benefit to veterans in need. Education is often the key to financial success and these scholarships will be a tremendous help,” said Sen. Craig.
Sen. Mike Crapo and Reps. Butch Otter and Mike Simpson also praised the program, as did Secretary of Veterans Affairs Nicholson: "Education programs have been a cornerstone of VA benefits throughout its 75 year history," he said. "This Idaho initiative is good for veterans and good for America."
White said that the program is open to veterans’ spouses in order to provide educational opportunities for those who may need to financially support a disabled veteran. “We want to do anything we can to assist these individuals and their families. It’s one way we can say ‘thank you’ for the sacrifices they have made for this country.”
The university plans to welcome the first Operation Education Scholarship recipients fall semester 2006, which begins Aug. 21. Although preference may be given to Idaho residents who apply for the program, the university is reaching out to veterans nationally to encourage interest and participation.
White said the University of Idaho program is designed to be a blueprint for use by other higher-education institutions. The university’s hope is that its pilot program creates an interest and stimulates action among other colleges and universities, so that many veterans may take advantage of this opportunity to further their education.
For more information or to obtain an application, veterans should contact John Sawyer at the University of Idaho: (208) 885-7979, johns@uidaho.edu. Gifts may be made in support of Operation Education by calling the University of Idaho at (208) 885-7069 or 866-671-7041, or online at www.uidaho.edu/givetoidaho.
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About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. The only institution in the state earning the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity, University of Idaho researchers attract more than $100 million in research grants and contracts each year. UI’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Its high academic performers include 34 National Merit Scholars and a 2005-06 freshman class with an average high school grade point average of 3.42. Offering 106 degree options in nine colleges, UI combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
Media Contact Only: Wendy Shattuck, University of Idaho Communications, (208) 885-6291, shattuck@uidaho.edu
Scholarship Application Contact Only: John Sawyer, University of Idaho Veterans Affairs Adviser, (208) 885-7979, johns@uidaho.edu
JK-6/20/06- FAS
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