NYS Dwyer Coalition Scholarship

Investing in the Future of New York's Military Community

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The Dwyer Coalition Scholarship Program was established to support the educational, professional, and personal growth of Veterans, service members, military families, caregivers, and survivors across New York State.

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At the Dwyer Coalition, we recognize that service does not end when the uniform comes off. Every day, members of our military-connected community continue to serve as students, parents, caregivers, professionals, volunteers, advocates, and leaders within their communities. This scholarship program was created to help support those efforts and reduce barriers to educational and workforce development opportunities.

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As the statewide coordinating body for the New York State Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project network, the Coalition is committed to strengthening communities, promoting leadership, and investing in the future of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

 

Why This Scholarship Matters

 

Education remains one of the most powerful pathways to opportunity, economic mobility, personal growth, and community leadership. However, many Veterans, service members, military families, caregivers, and survivors face unique challenges while pursuing educational and career goals.

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Military service often involves deployments, relocations, career transitions, family responsibilities, and financial obligations that can create barriers to educational advancement and workforce development. For some Veterans, returning to school means balancing coursework with employment, healthcare needs, and family responsibilities while navigating the transition to civilian life. Military spouses and dependents may also face disruptions in their educational journey due to the demands of military service and frequent moves.

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The Dwyer Coalition Scholarship Program was created to help reduce these barriers while recognizing the resilience, perseverance, and commitment demonstrated by New York's military-connected community. Through this investment, the Coalition seeks to support individuals who are striving to improve their lives, strengthen their communities, and continue a legacy of service beyond military service.

 

Scholarship Awards

 

Beginning in 2027, the Dwyer Coalition plans to award two (2) scholarships annually in the amount of $1,500 each.

Scholarship funds may be used to support educational expenses associated with attendance at an accredited college, university, trade school, vocational training program, apprenticeship, certification program, or approved workforce development initiative.

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The number of scholarships awarded and award amounts may be adjusted annually based upon available funding, sponsorships, donations, and community support.

 

Eligibility Requirements

 

Applicants must:

• Be a resident of New York State.

• Be a Veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard member, Reserve Component member, military spouse, military dependent, caregiver, or survivor.

• Be accepted to or enrolled in an accredited college, university, trade school, vocational program, apprenticeship, certification program, or workforce development program.

• Demonstrate leadership, community involvement, volunteer service, or civic engagement.

• Demonstrate a connection to, participation in, volunteer involvement with, or support from a local Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, where available.

 

Selection Criteria

 

Applications will be evaluated through a competitive review process that considers:

• Educational and career aspirations.

• Leadership experience and accomplishments.

• Community involvement and commitment to service.

• Personal character, perseverance, and resilience.

• Connection to the mission and values of the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project.

• Potential to positively impact Veterans, military families, and local communities.

 

Recipients will be selected by a Scholarship Review Committee using established scoring criteria designed to ensure a fair and transparent review process.

 

Annual Scholarship Cycle

 

The Dwyer Coalition Scholarship Program follows an annual application cycle:

• January 1- Applications Open

• April 1- Application Submission Deadline

• April- Scholarship Review and Selection Process

• May- Scholarship Recipients Announced

Scholarship recipients may be recognized through Coalition communications, newsletters, social media platforms, and other public announcements.

 

Supporting the Dwyer Mission

 

The Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project was founded on a simple but powerful belief: no Veteran should feel alone.

Across New York State, Dwyer Programs work every day to reduce isolation, strengthen peer connections, increase access to resources, and build supportive communities for Veterans, service members, military families, caregivers, and survivors. These programs create opportunities for connection, engagement, and support while helping individuals navigate challenges and celebrate successes.

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The Dwyer Coalition Scholarship Program reflects these same values. Beyond academic achievement, the scholarship seeks to recognize individuals who demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, community engagement, and a commitment to helping others.

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Special consideration is given to applicants who have participated in, volunteered with, supported, or benefited from a local Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, as these individuals exemplify the spirit of peer support, service, and community that remains at the heart of the Dwyer mission.

 

Looking Toward the Future

 

The Dwyer Coalition envisions a future where financial barriers do not prevent members of New York's military-connected community from pursuing educational and professional opportunities.

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While the program will initially provide two annual scholarships, the Coalition remains committed to expanding scholarship opportunities as additional funding, sponsorships, grants, and community partnerships become available. Our long-term goal is to establish sustainable scholarship funding that creates greater access to education, workforce development, and career advancement opportunities for future generations.

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Every scholarship awarded represents more than financial assistance. It is an investment in leadership, opportunity, service, and the continued strength of New York's military and Veteran community.

 

Continuing a Legacy of Service

 

The Dwyer Coalition believes that strong communities are built through service, leadership, education, and connection. By investing in individuals who are committed to making a difference, we strengthen not only the lives of scholarship recipients but also the communities they serve.

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Whether pursuing higher education, learning a skilled trade, obtaining professional certifications, or developing new career opportunities, scholarship recipients represent the next generation of leaders who will continue building stronger communities throughout New York State.

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Through the Dwyer Coalition Scholarship Program, we are proud to support those who continue to lead, serve, and inspire others long after their military journey has ended.