Thirty college students studying STEM-related fields each received a $5,000 scholarship from the TowerCares Foundation. More than half of this year’s winners have parents who are affiliated with the Department of Defense or U.S. Military. Since 2018, TowerCares has awarded over half a million dollars in college scholarships. 

Recent high school graduate Ashley Doyle will enter her freshman year at Virginia Commonwealth University this fall with an extra $5,000 towards her education, thanks to the TowerCares Foundation.  

Doyle plans to major in Chemistry and pursue her dream to work in the medical field. “I have been blessed with some incredible doctors and nurses throughout my life,” she says. “I hope to one day be able to give the same care back to my community, and I am beyond grateful to be selected as a recipient of a TowerCares Foundation scholarship.” 

Ms. Doyle is one of 30 college students who each received a $5,000 scholarship from the TowerCares Foundation for the 2024-25 school year. Since 2018, TowerCares has awarded $510,000 in college scholarships. 

The annual scholarship program is open to all current high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are enrolled or plan to enroll in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) or Foreign Language Linguistics majors. Winners are selected by an independent judging organization based upon academic performance, leadership, participation in school/community activities, work experience, and career/educational goals and objectives. 

Additional consideration is given to children/dependents of active-duty military and Veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces, including Reserve and Guard units, and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees. 

More than half of this year’s winners have one or both parents who are affiliated with the DoD or who currently serve or have served in the U.S. Military. 

“TowerCares is proud to invest in the next generation of STEM leaders,” said TowerCares Foundation President Rick Stafford. “The annual scholarship program provides opportunity for students who want to change and improve the world, and helps relieve some of the financial burden of higher education for these exceptional young men and women and their families, many of whom have served our country in the military and defense communities.” 

Scholarship winner Gianna Bleken, whose father serves in the U.S. Air Force, says the award will help her fulfill a dream she’s had since childhood. Ms. Bleken is entering her freshman year at Coastal Carolina University and plans to study Marine/Aquatic Biology.

“Thank you so much for selecting me for this year’s TowerCares Foundation scholarship,” she says. “I am so excited to be able to use the money to help pay for a degree that I have been wanting since I was five years old. I am grateful that this will enable me to continue with my education and lessen the financial burden of college.”