Warrior-Scholar Project receives $1 million grant from The Duchossois Family Foundation to expand academic support to Illinois veterans
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 supporting veterans in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Dispersed over the next three years, the gift will primarily be used to hire more alumni fellows, an integral part of the successful WSP model.
WSP's mission is to ensure that every degree-seeking enlisted veteran succeeds in the transition to higher education, and programming is designed to help veterans prepare for an academic environment while learning strategies to become better students. Moreover, with the help of WSP alumni fellows who have completed the program, participants have the opportunity to prepare for the many challenges student veterans face by learning from those who have been in their shoes and have successfully integrated into campus culture.
"The Duchossois Family Foundation is proud to support Warrior-Scholar Project in their work with veterans who are transitioning to civilian life and pursuing higher education. At a time of tremendous need, we hope to bring to light the unique needs of veterans and inspire others to get involved to strengthen the veteran community," said Foundation President Mary Ann Roeser.
A portion 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 enlisted veterans in Illinois.
"The Duchossois Family Foundation is setting the standard by embracing veterans and their needs right here in Illinois. WSP is honored to be included in the Foundation's veteran-focused philanthropy, and we are committed to ensuring that every dollar is channeled into tangible impact on the enlisted student veteran community," said Ryan Pavel, CEO of WSP.
WSP launched its first program at Yale University in 2012 with nine participants. Since then, the program has expanded 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 on track to complete their undergraduate degrees, in contrast to 72% of the overall student veteran population. Additionally, a two-year study by Syracuse University's Institute of Veterans and Military Families found that WSP is the only program of its kind dedicated to veterans with a national reach that provides targeted support for humanities, STEM, and business degrees.