BEDFORD — Veterans Affairs Officer Brad Bough is issuing a call to action for local military families, detailing life-changing scholarship opportunities available to the children of disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and Prisoners of War (POWs).
The state-funded programs aim to remove the financial burden of higher education for those whose parents have sacrificed for the country.
“The scholarships will allow a student to attend 124 hours at a state-supported college for free,” added Bough. “It will allow $5,000 to attend a non-state-supported college.”
According to Bough, the impact of these scholarships is substantial, often determining whether a student can afford to pursue a degree.
- State-Supported Colleges: Eligible students can receive free tuition for up to 124 credit hours.
- Private/Non-State Colleges: A grant of $5,000 is available for those attending non-state-supported institutions.
Bough also noted that any High School juniors wanting to attend a military academy need to apply now.
The five service academies include:
- United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.
- United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
- United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn.
- United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.
- United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.
“They don’t want to wait,” Bough added. “My office can help them apply.”
The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs administers three state aid programs for tuition and fee exemption through ScholarTrack. To be eligible, students must qualify for the Indiana resident tuition rate and file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before applying.
Bough and his staff will help any Lawrence County high school student needing assistance with applying.
“I will help in any way I can,” Bough says. “These scholarships make a difference in a child attending college or not having that opportunity.”
Teens or their parents can call his office at 812-275-6411 to ask questions or schedule an appointment.
Tuition and Fee Exemption for the child(ren) of a disabled veteran or POW/MIA or Purple Heart recipients – These are the documents needed to determine eligibility:
Required Documentation
Depending on the program, families will need to provide:
- Proof of Relationship: A birth certificate or adoption papers listing the veteran parent.
- Military Service Records: The veteran’s DD214 showing wartime service or specific medals.
- VA Disability Rating: An official VA Award Letter confirming a service-connected disability.
- Purple Heart/POW Proof: Documentation of the award or status if not listed on the DD214.
Tuition and Fee Exemption for Former Students of the Morton Memorial High School/Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home.
- IDVA will verify the student’s attendance at Morton Memorial High School from the cumulative list IDVA has on file. No documents need to be uploaded when applying for this program.
How to Apply online through ScholarTrack
All students should create an account in ScholarTrack. Once the account is verified, the student can access their account and apply for the appropriate state aid program. Parents cannot apply for the student; it must be completed under the student’s account.
Before the student applies, proof of relationship to the veteran parent must be uploaded, or the application cannot be processed. A birth certificate, Consulate Report of Birth Abroad, or appropriate adoption paperwork are all acceptable.
All documents must list the veteran parent. If available, upload proof of Indiana residency if needed.
Other information on available scholarships can be found here.
