About the Pat Tillman Foundation
The Pat Tillman Foundation selects exceptional military service members, veterans, and spouses and invests in them for life through scholarships, leadership development, career architecture, and community and events.
More than 1,000 Tillman Scholars are leading across all major impact areas. Selected through a rigorous, values-based process with less than a 3% acceptance, each Tillman Scholar joins a lifelong network of leaders united by a commitment to service beyond self. Your investment fuels the leaders who carry Pat’s legacy forward.
What makes a tillman scholar
Tillman Scholars are selected not for what they’ve already achieved, but for the responsibility they choose to carry next. They are proven leaders with a track record of service and a commitment to strengthening communities nationwide.
Scholars are chosen based on the values Pat lived by:
Scholarship
Pursues lifelong learning and intellectual growth
Humble Leadership
Leads by example with selfless commitment
Service
Serves beyond self in and out of uniform
Impact
Unites others and advances ideas that change the world
Who Was Pat Tillman?
Pat Tillman was a Bay Area native, Arizona State University standout, and Arizona Cardinals safety who left a professional football career and a $3.6 million NFL contract to serve as an Army Ranger after September 11, 2001.
Pat enlisted alongside his brother in 2002. He served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Pat was killed in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. His family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation to carry forward his legacy of service, scholarship, humble leadership, and impact.
Pat is Scholar #1. His life set the standard that every Tillman Scholar carries forward.
“To err on the side of passion is human and right and the only way I’ll live.”
How Tillman Scholars Make an Impact
Since 2009, more than 1,000 Tillman Scholars have joined this community.
Scholars take on critical challenges with the leadership, discipline, and drive that defined their service. One Scholar’s impact reaches thousands. Multiply that over 1,000 times.
Meet Tillman Scholars
Tillman Scholars represent all military branches and work in various fields. They create positive change through their work in communities worldwide. Read a few of their stories below to see what Tillman Scholars accomplish.
Bryan Watson
Navy | Georgia Institute of Technology
“I study how engineering can protect people from cascading disasters.”
Bryan studies engineering systems to protect people from cascading disasters. He focuses on improving resilience in complex systems like power grids and infrastructure.
Sarah Abdella-El Kallassy
Marine Corps | Johns Hopkins University
“I want to be the extra set of eyes helping communities find sustainable solutions in their midst.”
Sarah served as a liaison officer in Afghanistan’s peace process. She researches sustainable solutions for Middle East conflicts and women’s roles in peacebuilding.
Tigon Abalos
Army | Harvard Business School
“My life goal is to make a positive impact on the world through people.”
Tigon provides accessible dental healthcare to underserved communities. He works as a humanitarian focused on reaching people who cannot afford treatment.
Tillman Scholar Program Results
The Pat Tillman Foundation has invested more than $40 million in academic scholarships and leadership development since 2009. Over 1,000 Tillman Scholars across 160+ universities maintain a 3.6 average GPA and a 98% graduation rate.
This investment removes the financial barrier between potential and impact, closing a debt gap for Tillman Scholars pursuing education.
Tillman Scholars
Average GPA
Universities
%
Graduation Rate
Our Partners and Sponsors
How to Support Tillman Scholars
When you invest in a Tillman Scholar, you become a co-investor in leadership that multiplies. Your support fuels scholarships, leadership development, and career architecture for military service members, veterans, and spouses leading change nationwide.
Ways to Donate to the Pat Tillman Foundation:
- Personal and monthly giving
- Fundraise through races and events
- Giving as a corporation or foundation
- Giving through wills, trusts, or estates
Learn all of the ways you can donate to the Pat Tillman Foundation below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Eligible for the Tillman Scholarship?
U.S. service members, veterans, and military spouses are eligible for Tillman Scholarships. Applicants must be pursuing a full-time degree at an accredited U.S. college or university.
See complete application requirements.
How to Become a Tillman Scholar?
To become a Tillman Scholar, you must be a military member, veteran, or spouse. Apply on the Scholar Applications page during the open application period. Submit all required materials, service records, and financial information.
What Does the Tillman Scholarship Cover?
Tillman Scholarships cover tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for academic programs.
Scholars receive benefits beyond funding. They get up to $1,000 in annual grants for leadership training and certifications.
Scholars also gain access to mentors and the annual Pat Tillman Leadership Summit. Other benefits include entry to premier events like SXSW, Inc. 500/5000, and the Aspen Ideas Festival.
How Many Tillman Scholars Get Selected Each Year?
The Pat Tillman Foundation selects up to 60 new Tillman Scholars each year. The foundation has supported more than 1,000 Tillman Scholars since 2009.
When Is the Scholarship Application Deadline?
The Tillman Scholarship application deadline varies each year. Check the Scholar Applications page for dates and requirements. Join our scholar mailing list for updates about applications.
How Much Is the Pat Tillman Scholarship?
Scholarship award amounts vary by individual need. On average, recipients receive around $10,000 per academic year. Total support can reach $40,000 over four years. This amount depends on program length and financial need.
How Competitive Is the Pat Tillman Scholarship?
The Pat Tillman Scholarship is competitive. The Tillman Scholar program receives around 2,000 applications each year and selects only 60 scholars. That’s an acceptance rate of roughly 3%.
