Scholarships for Veterans

At Widener Law Commonwealth, we are dedicated to helping each veteran student find ways to make law school financially feasible.  This page is focused on providing information regarding various education funding opportunities available for veterans and military members.

The Captain Shane Mahaffee Scholarship for Excellence

The Captain Shane Mahaffee Scholarship for Excellence was established in 2016 and is awarded to a worthy active duty student or student veteran each year. This prestigious award is named after 1994 Widener Law Commonwealth alumnus, U.S. Army Captain Shane Mahaffee, who was killed in the line of duty in 2006 in Iraq. By establishing a scholarship in Captain Mahaffee’s name, Widener Law Commonwealth recognizes the hard work and commitment our military students show to both their country and to their studies. Widener Commonwealth will honor Capt. Mahaffee’s memory through the services provided to our active, reserve and retired military law students by the Veteran’s Initiative.

General Carl E. Mundy Jr., USMC (Ret.) and Linda Sloan Mundy Marine Scholarship

General Mundy served as the U.S. Marine Corps commandant from 1991 to 1995, capping a distinguished 42-year career in the Marines that included combat duty in Vietnam and service on the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, he served as president and chief executive officer of the USO (United Service Organizations) from 1996 to 2000.  The scholarship donors are Tom and Bonnie Bown. Tom is a University Trustee and a 1967 graduate of Widener University.  They chose to name the scholarship for General and Mrs. Mundy, their personal friends, in honor of their distinguished service to the country and their deep commitment to those who served.

Other Military Education Funding Opportunities

Military.com Scholarship Finder

This is a search engine powered by Fastweb that has scholarship and grant opportunities for the military community. It allows you to find opportunities based on your service affiliation, military status, and school year.

Pat Tillman Foundation

The Pat Tillman Foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses to build a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others in the fields of medicine, law, business, technology, education, and the arts. Eligible applicants are either veteran or active-duty military service members, honorably discharged from all branches of the U.S. Military, or current spouses pursuing a degree full-time with a 3.0 or higher GPA.

Award Amount: Up to 60 candidates, covering education expenses: tuition and fees, books, and living expenses

Deadline: Open in February and closes in March

Post-9/11 GI Bill

Veterans and/or spouses and dependents of Veterans may be eligible to receive GI Bill education benefits through the Veterans Administration, depending on the length of service and the start and end date of that service. For more information, visit their website at www.gibill.va.gov or contact the Veterans Administration by calling 1-888-442-4551. Widener Law Commonwealth participates in the Yellow Ribbon program for veterans who are 100% eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Veterans United Foundation Scholarship

The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship creates opportunities for surviving spouses or children of a deceased Veteran of the U.S. Military, funded by Veterans United Home Loans and its employees. Eligible applicants will be enrolled or planning to enroll by the upcoming Fall semester and be comfortable to share personal stories with the Veterans United Foundation.

Award Amount: Up to 3 scholarships, each up to $20,000 and nonrenewable

Deadline: Spring semester (typically opens in March and closes in April)

LEARN ABOUT OUR VETERANS INITIATIVE

Honor.  Service.  Education.  Leadership.