Warrior-Scholar Project receives $1 million grant from Duchossois Family Foundation to expand school support for Illinois veterans
The national nonprofit Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) is honored to be the recipient of a $1 million investment from the Duchossois Family Foundation, a Chicago-based institute, signifying the Foundation’s commitment to support veterans in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Dispersed over the next three years, the donation will primarily be used to hire more alumni, an integral part of WSP’s successful model.
WSP’s mission is to ensure that every degree-seeking enlisted veteran makes a successful transition to higher education, and programming is designed to help veterans prepare for an academic environment while learning strategies to become better students. Additionally, with the help of former WSP scholars who have completed the program, participants have the opportunity to prepare for the many challenges facing student veterans by learning from those who have been in their shoes and who have succeeded. to integrate into the culture of the campus.
“The Duchossois Family Foundation is proud to support the Warrior-Scholar Project in its work with veterans who are transitioning to civilian life and pursuing higher education. At a time of great need, we hope to shine a light on the unique needs of veterans and inspire others to get involved in strengthening the veteran community,” said Foundation President Mary Ann Roeser.
Part of the grant will allow WSP to expand its signature academic boot camps at the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the latter providing an opportunity to support those in rural communities . To date, WSP has served nearly 130 Illinois enlisted veterans.
“The Duchossois Family Foundation sets the standard by embracing veterans and their needs right here in Illinois. WSP is honored to be a part of the Foundation’s veteran-focused philanthropy, and we are committed to ensuring that every dollar is channeled toward tangible impact in the student veteran enlisted community,” said Ryan Pavel, CEO from WSP.
WSP launched its first program at Yale University in 2012 with nine participants. Since then, the program has grown to include 21 of America’s top schools and has helped more than 2,000 veterans get a head start in higher education. The introductory academic experience has a lasting impact: 92% of WSP alumni have already completed or are in the process of completing their undergraduate degrees, compared to 72% of the entire veteran student population. Additionally, a two-year study conducted by Syracuse University’s Veterans and Military Families Institute found that WSP is the only veteran-dedicated program of its kind with a national reach that provides targeted support for humanities, STEM and business degrees.
