HomeExternal Scholarship Opportunities

External Scholarship Opportunities

Vigilant Torch has the honor of referring qualified candidates to multiple scholarships each year through the Special Operations Fund (SOFund). As these opportunities become available, we inform our members as well as prior scholarship applicants about the particular programs and their deadlines. We then collect applications and select our candidate to send forward to SOFund. SOFund then chooses a recipient from candidates provided by Vigilant Torch and other partner organizations.

Not a member of Vigilant Torch? Apply today to become eligible to apply for our TORCH Scholarship and SOFund scholarships.

Current Opportunities

The Special Operations Fund (SOFund) is offering Vocational, Technical, and Community College (VOTECH) Scholarships. These scholarships may be applied for in addition to VTF's TORCH Scholarship.

SOFund VOTECH Scholarships are $3,000 annually, limited to 2 years, and to be used for VOTECH studies. The VOTECH program selected can be either a career/technical school that results in a professional license (HVAC, welding, plumbing, metalworking, electrician, landscaping, beautician, culinary, aesthetician, auto mechanic, gunsmithing, commercial driver’s license, court reporting, bookkeeping, veterinarian technician, dental technician, computer sciences, paramedic/EMT, etc.) or a community college course of study or program which results in a degree or license (A.A., A.S., LPN, etc.). Selection is based on employment experience/volunteer service, demonstrated leadership, academic achievement (minimum 2.5 GPA), career interest, written goals, and recommendations.

Applications are accepted year-round. Please send all completed applications to scholarship@vigilant-torch.org.

Note: Those awarded VOTECH Scholarships last year do not need to reapply for year two.

2024 VOTECH Guide and Timeline

2024 VOTECH Application

The Special Operations Fund (SOFund) is proud to offer the Lieutenant General Brent Scowcroft Scholarship, honoring the legacy of one of America’s foremost military strategists and public servants.

The Scowcroft Scholarship provides $10,000 annually for up to four years to a graduating high school senior entering their first year of college. Applicants must be the child of a current or veteran Joint Special Operations warrior and be nominated by a recognized local scholarship organization (e.g., USAF Association, NSF, RSF, USF, SEALs, or VTF).

Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence (minimum 3.5 GPA), leadership in extracurricular or service roles, and submit two letters of recommendation along with a 500-word essay. Finalists may include additional context about their experiences to support their application. Continued eligibility requires maintaining a 3.0 GPA in college. Selection is based on leadership, academic record, and character.

2025 Scowcroft Guide and Timeline

2025 Scowcroft Application