The Pillars of Strength Scholarship Program honors the exceptional sacrifices of the family and non-family caregivers of our nation’s injured/wounded military service members. Because this extraordinary commitment often causes caregivers to delay their personal pursuits, the fund was established to assist them in achieving their educational goals. The scholarship program is supported and managed by The Blewitt Foundation in association with UMGC.
The program kicked off in April 2013, awarding more than 100 full-time scholarships to caregivers to date with 50 scholars completing their degrees. Meet the 2026 Pillars of Strength Scholarship recipients. Read more about the inspiring stories of past Pillars of Strength scholarship recipients.
How You Can Help
Your gift to the Pillars of Strength Scholarship Program can help make a positive impact in the lives of family members and friends who serve our country by serving their military loved ones. Scholarships—covering full tuition, fees, and books—will be awarded each academic year to eligible candidates. Consider making a gift today.
Watch Keynote Speeches From Award Ceremonies
Sonia Yulfo wants to use her experience as a caregiver to help other military families: “I want to work with disabled veterans and their families. I know it’s a struggle for caregivers and families to get the help they need and deserve. I’ve been there.”
Cara Novas inspires other caregivers with her commitment to support her fellow Marines and the families that sacrifice for servicemembers: "I am thankful for the struggle because, without it, I would not have found my strength."
Sandralee Jensen advises other caregivers who want to pursue their education to "take a step or leap of faith, and trust that there are going to be others that will be there to help you."
Vanessa Engelhardt shares her story, "to help other caregivers and wounded veterans know there is hope for a different tomorrow."
Watch More Videos From Award Recipients
- Deborah Elliott
- Juggled caring for her husband since he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease while also caring for her two children. With the Pillars of Strength Scholarship, Deborah plans to continue her interest in the biology field by pursuing a master’s in biotechnology.
- Sonia Yuflo
- Did not hesitate to care for her father when he was injured in Afghanistan and has supported him every step of the way since. Today Sonia is an advocate for caregivers and plans to earn a degree in psychology at UMGC.
- Corie Bellucci
- Raised six children, served in the military herself, and already completed an associate degree in fine arts. Now, she plans to attend UMGC to finish her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, which she originally began while serving in the military.
- Maggie Keelty
- Spent her entire adult life as a military spouse and has been an active volunteer in the military community. Maggie will earn a master’s degree in finance or business administration and hopes to take the lead in her family’s financial future.
- Marie Gibson
- Spent more than a decade caring for children with Down’s Syndrome and working with the elderly through Visiting Angels. She has always wanted to be a pediatric nurse and is looking forward to earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology at UMGC.
- Lauren Warner
- Is an accomplished business professional, a volunteer with the USO, and a lifetime Girl Scout. She will earn her MBA at UMUC and hopes to start her own consulting firm, giving her the flexibility she needs to care for her husband.
- Amberlynn Heffron
- Always had a passion for learning about health care. Her goal is to start a nonprofit that supports wounded soldiers with a variety of post-combat conditions.
- Justina Knoefler
- Has known her husband Curtis since high school; today, they are married with a combined family of six children. Justina hopes to work with veterans while being the primary financial support for her family.
- Secret Brutley
- Says the Pillars of Strength scholarship shows her children that "things come up but you just have to overcome those roadblocks and find ways to go around them."
- Noelle Savage
- Looks forward to getting her master's degree and pursuing "a job that I really enjoy that involves helping other people."
- Hilda Buah-Mensah
- Says the scholarship will turn her family's lives around. "With this opportunity, I'll be able to learn a new trade in information systems. . . . I'll be able to support my family."
- Jessica Brewer
- Knew that a "brick and mortar school wouldn't have been an option" and applied for the Pillars of Strength scholarship just hours before the deadline.
- Valerie Gray
- Was hesitant at first to apply for the scholarship. "It's hard to think about yourself when your family is going through hardships. You always put others before yourself. Sometimes you have to put yourself first so that you can take better care of your family."
- Terri Jo Yarnell
- Says the Pillars of Strength scholarship gives her the opportunity to show her children that "you can always go back and change and follow your dream."
- Sandralee Jensen
- Was terrified of going back to school and deleted the scholarship application three times. Husband Chris Jensen encouraged her to apply. "She has given her life to the military, she's given her life to other soldiers, she's given her life to her children, and she's certainly given her life to me."
- Michelle Yi
- Says the Pillars of Strength scholarship "gives me hope and strength for the future."
- CNN's Kimberly Dozier
- Salutes caregivers, as she was severely injured covering the war in Iraq in 2006, "By what they do every day, they teach us how to be better Americans and better people."
- Vanessa Engelhardt
- Says the Pillars of Strength scholarship gives her a "huge opportunity." Her husband Eric Engelhardt agrees, "It's her time—she's earned it."