Funds to support the pursuit of higher education by descendants of Vietnam War-era veterans got another boost, as the founding organization added $250,000 to the program.
The additional funding from Detroit Chapter #9 of the Vietnam Veterans of America brings the group’s total contributions to $1 million for its scholarships. The endowment is managed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), and the nonprofit’s leaders presented the check in person last week.
“Our chapter is proud to continue to support the families of those who served, and with the additional funds, provide more individuals access to higher learning,” said Paul Palazzolo, president of VVA#9.
Since establishment of the fund in 2019, 16 scholarships have been awarded.
The scholarships are for post-secondary students between the ages of 16 and 30 who are the natural or adopted direct lineal descendant of a qualifying Vietnam veteran. Priority is given to descendants of Vietnam veterans who were or are members of the VVA#9 in good standing for at least five years. A DD Form 214 is required, and both academic performance and a family’s ability to pay for higher education are considered. The foundation may require documentation to substantiate the applicant’s relationship to a Vietnam veteran.
“We are honored to work with the Detroit Chapter #9 of the Vietnam Veterans of America to provide these scholarships to descendants of Vietnam War-era veterans,” said Richard L. DeVore, CEO & President of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. “Since opening this fund a few short years ago, the organization has awarded almost $50,000 in scholarships, and the fund will continue to grow and provide scholarships in perpetuity.”
To learn more about the scholarship, go to https://cfsem.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Vietnam-Veterans-Scholarship-Overview.pdf To learn how to apply, go to https://cfsem.org/scholarships/scholarship-application/
