Scholarship Opportunities

Eligible Applicants

Gold Star Peak, Inc. welcomes applications from the following individuals:

Gold Star Family Members – For the purposes of this program, Gold Star family members are those defined under 10 U.S. Code 1126. Gold Star Peak, Inc. recognizes all individuals who meet eligibility requirements for, or are recipients of, the Gold Star Lapel Button or the Next of Kin Lapel Button in accordance with this statute. Eligible family members include widow, widower, mother, father, stepparent, parent through adoption, a foster parent in loco parentis, son, daughter, stepchild, child by adoption, brother, sister, half-brother, and half-sister, provided they meet the provisions outlined in 10 U.S. Code 1126 (a) and (d). Widows and widowers may be remarried.

U.S. Military Veterans – Veterans who have received an honorable discharge from their branch of service.

Actively Serving U.S. Service Members – Includes those serving on Active Duty, in the National Guard, or in the Reserves.

Criteria and Required Documents

• • Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted by an accredited institution of higher learning or a recognized vocational school.
  • Applicants must submit the appropriate service documentation:
    • Gold Star family members must submit a DD 1300 with the applicant’s name listed on the document.
    • Veterans must submit a DD 214.
    • Currently serving applicants must submit a statement of service.
  • Funds will be sent directly to the institution and may be used for tuition, registration fees, textbooks (purchased through the institution), on-campus housing, and on-campus meal plans.
  • Applicants must submit their most recent education transcripts.
  • Applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from persons of authority (e.g., teachers, professors, supervisors, mentors).
  • Applicants must submit an essay in response to the prompt below.

Essay Question

For many military and Gold Star families, service and sacrifice do not end when a deployment is over or a life is lost; they continue as individuals grow, adapt, and carry forward the legacy of those who served.

Describe how loss, sacrifice, or military service has shaped your perspective on resilience, purpose, or personal growth. How have these experiences influenced who you are today and who you aspire to become?

In your response, reflect on how you plan to carry forward the meaning of service and sacrifice, not only through remembrance but through your actions, goals, and contributions to others. Consider how your experiences have shaped your sense of responsibility, and how you will use that perspective to create a positive impact in your life, your community, or in service to others.

Essay Requirements and Instructions

• • Essays must be written in APA 7th Edition format or risk disqualification. Submissions must include:
    • A title page
    • Proper citations (if applicable)
    • A reference page (if sources are used)
  • Essays should reflect original thought, personal reflection, and individual voice.
  • Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI tools may be used for brainstorming or general guidance, but submitted essays must represent your own original work.
    • GSP will review all submissions for plagiarism and AI-generated content.
    • Essays determined to not be original or not reflective of the applicant’s own work will be disqualified.
  • Length: 500–1,000 words.