For DonorsFor Applicants

Pettable Veteran Student Debt Grant

Funded by
$5,000
1 winner$5,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Dec 1, 2021
Winners Announced
Dec 31, 2021
Education Level
Any
Eligibility Requirements
Finances:
Has Student Debt
Interests:
Mental Health

Veterans are indispensable to our world.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of their work, veterans are often exposed to experiences that put them at risk for developing mental health-related challenges and issues.

These mental health challenges can make it harder to transition back to everyday life, including pursuing further educational opportunities.

While there are many resources that can support vets, pets have been shown to have a remarkable effect on helping with mental health-related challenges, including PTSD.

As one small way to support the veteran community, the Pettable Veteran Student Debt grant exists to help vets to pay down their debt and take care of their mental health.

All military veterans with student debt who are passionate about mental health and the potential for pets to aid the mental well-being of vets are eligible to apply.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published September 8, 2021
Essay Topic

Please tell us why mental health is important to you?

200–300 words

Winning Application

Andrew Doyle
Curry CollegeNorwood, MA
“I will always maintain my arms, my equipment, and myself…” may be part of the Soldier’s Creed, and yet the most stigmatized part of a Service Member’s career. There has been a significant shift in the attitude towards mental health over the last 5-10 years. It is moving in the right direction, as the past two decades have seen positive reinforcement of leaders advocating for the mental health of their subordinates. Personally, I had advocated for Soldiers that had experienced substance abuse, domestic abuse, and other physical/mental issues while I was a Company Commander. We had the resource with our Medical Support unit to have a Service Dog (LTC Wrigley…yes a Lieutenant Colonel rank for the pup!). LTC Wrigley was able to reduce anxiety, and stressors with some of my Soldiers during a variety of trainings and operations that we had executed. Soldiers were able to decompress from the 12 hour days, and they were not allowed to be bothered by anyone in the Chain of Command while they were receiving support from LTC Wrigley. As a Commander, it was clear that a Service Dog was a force multiplier when it comes to addressing mental health, in a way of reducing stress and anxiety. Separately, it also allowed the Soldiers to be more open and receptive to discuss issues, or concerns, when I would schedule a bi-monthly behavioral health therapist to be available during specific day.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Dec 1, 2021. Winners will be announced on Dec 31, 2021.