2018 was an incredible year thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
In 2018, we welcomed another remarkable class of Tillman Scholars, and expanded the network to more than 580 leaders nationwide.
As the next generation of private and public sector leaders, the Tillman Scholars are tackling challenges across national security, healthcare, technology, civil rights, education and more. They believe their best years of service to our country are still ahead of them, and they are committed to strengthening communities at home and around the world.
On behalf of the Tillman Scholars who have been empowered by your commitment and generosity, thank you.
The Tillman Scholar Network
Tillman Scholars are military veterans and spouses with a high potential for impact as demonstrated through a proven track record of leadership, the continued pursuit of education and the commitment of their resources to service beyond self.
The tenets of the Tillman Scholar Program are:
- Scholarships: Annual funding for academic expenses, including tuition, books, and living expenses
- Professional Development: Opportunities to advance knowledge, skills, and experience
- National Network: Access to a community of high-performing peers, mentors and industry leaders
IMPACT AREAS
Healthcare
Public service
Stem
Business
humanities
Law
education
Tillman Scholars Redefine Change
Every year, the Pat Tillman Foundation receives thousands of applications from remarkable military veterans and military spouses nationwide. We choose up to 60 individual who are looking to change lives, one by one, on the ground. We’re supporting those who will make a difference in other people’s lives.
Katie Piston
Military Spouse
Researching nanocarriers that will deliver lifesaving medications to patients with neurodegenerative diseases and infected wounds.
Drew Garza
Army
Working at NASA with hopes to help craft U.S. space policy that allows our country to explore boldly, benefit economically, secure American interests and support global humanitarian efforts.
Annie Kleiman
Air Force
Applying insights found through behavioral health science to solve issues related to global health issues and social good.
2013 Tillman Scholar:
Sam Innocent
U.S. Army | City College of New York | B.A., Political Science
A Brooklyn native, Sam joined the military as a path to pursue higher education. After a tour to Afghanistan as a combat medic, he returned to New York where he earned a B.S. in political science from City College of New York.
As a passionate advocate for quality education and jobs, Sam works as a veteran specialist for a workforce development company, collaborating with government agencies to develop programs to help veterans find employment.
Sam hopes to use his skills and experience to make an impact as an elected official in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Brownsville. Watch the Serving After Service series to learn more about his story.
The Tillman Scholars Program
Since its inception, the Tillman Scholars Program has evolved into a world-class community of military service members, veterans and spouses, accepting 2.5 percent of applicants based exclusively on merit and potential for impact. PTF made a $1.2 million lifetime commitment to the 2019 Class of Tillman Scholars. This year, 60 Tillman Scholars were chosen from a pool of approximately 2,300 applicants.
Million Dollars Invested To Date
Tillman Scholars
Universities and Growing
Average GPA
%
Graduation Rate
%
Employment Rate
2013 Tillman Scholar:
Chris Diaz
U.S. Navy | Drexel University | M.S., Psychology
A thought leader in military and performance psychology, Chris is working to understand and share the science of the mind. His company, Serve1, is a human performance think tank that merges a collective of diverse experts who work with clients to help them tap into their mental potential. Currently working toward a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Drexel University, Chris also serves as a performance coach for the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute.
Using the principles of psychology, Chris works with athletes, executives and high performers to develop skills and strategies that allow them to be highly effective and make the most impact in their work or on the field. Watch the Serving After Service series to learn more about his story.
Pat’s Run
From the first event held in 2005 with 5,000 participants, Pat’s Run has grown into the largest run in the nation to honor a fallen soldier.
About the run:
- $1 Million+ raised in 2019
- 28,000 Runners in Tempe, AZ
- 4,033 Honor Runners across the country
- 2nd largest military race
- 18th largest race in the nation
Save the date:
The 16th Annual Pat’s Run will take place in April 2020. Registration opens in January 2020.
Media Highlights
All of the latest news and press releases for the Pat Tillman Foundation.
2019 Tillman Scholar Class Announced
2019 TILLMAN SCHOLARS ANNOUNCED The Pat Tillman Foundation Invests More than $1.2 Million in Academic Scholarships to Empower Newest Class of Service Members, Veterans and Military Spouses Chicago, IL (June 10, 2019) – Today, the Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) announced...
2018 Tillman Scholars Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Shannon Speshock, Communications Manager (224) 408-0451, [email protected] 2018 TILLMAN SCHOLARS ANNOUNCED The Pat Tillman Foundation Invests More than $1.3 Million in Academic Scholarships to Empower Newest Class of...
Registration Opens for 14th Annual Pat’s Run Presented by TEKsystems
MEDIA ADVISORY: January 9, 2018 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR 14th ANNUAL PAT’S RUN PRESENTED BY TEKSYSTEMS “Tillman Honor Runs” Organized for More Than 30 Cities Nationwide WHAT: 14th Annual Pat’s—a 4.2 mile run/walk celebrating the legacy of former NFL player Pat...
Bob Woodruff Foundation Grant Advances Tillman Scholar Impact in Veteran Health Care
Chicago, IL (October 17, 2017) - Today, we are proud to announce that Pat Tillman Foundation has received a grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) to empower Tillman Scholars who are pursuing advanced degrees in health care and mental health services. As part of...
Statement: Pat’s memory should remind people to come together
Chicago, IL (September 26, 2017) – The Pat Tillman Foundation shared the following statement from Board Chair and Co-Founder Marie Tillman on Pat’s legacy and the need for unity and togetherness in our country: “As a football player and soldier, Pat inspired countless...
Pat Tillman Foundation Receives Grant from Million Dollar Round Table Foundation
Chicago (Aug. 1, 2017) — The MDRT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Million Dollar Round Table, has awarded a $9,000 grant to the Pat Tillman Foundation to provide academic support and scholarships to military veterans and their spouses who are pursuing their...
Looking To Make A Difference?
Pints For Pat
Pints For Pat has grown into a national fundraising program that gives supporters an opportunity to honor Pat’s legacy and empower the Tillman Scholars in a fun and unique way.
Workplace Contributions
Your company can invest in the future by supporting the Tillman Scholars through a workplace giving campaign or corporate matches for your donation.
Individual Contributions
Make a one-time or recurring donation to empower the Tillman Scholars. Contribute via check or online at PatTillmanFoundation.org.