Scholarship Gives Milspouses Hope for Future

When Hope For The Warriors created its Spouse/Caregiver Scholarship Program 15 years ago, it had people like Evanna Burgwardt in mind.

Burgwardt is the wife of a Green Beret. It’s a life she was unsure of when she first met her husband. Six years later, that life has made her stronger, more independent, and sure of herself. She believes that strength and confidence made her a better nurse in the past few years. She also knows it has been crucial in her quest to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

“The special forces life has not been easy, but if I had not been given the privilege of living it, I am not sure I would be who I am today,” said Burgwardt. “I have not only developed the ability to take care of a household and provide support for my family, but I have developed a determined and strong-willed personality.”  

The Hope For The Warriors Spouse/Caregiver Scholarship has been equally vital in Burgwardt’s journey toward becoming a CRNA.

Burgwardt, who is pursuing a doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice at Central Connecticut State University, was awarded the “Honorary Scholarship” by HOPE in the fall of 2021. The Honorary Scholarship is awarded to individuals seeking graduate or post-graduate degrees.

“The scholarship provided me funding for tuition, clinical fees, and other necessary school supplies and lessened the financial burden on my husband, allowing him to focus on his career while also supporting me and my dreams,” said Burgwardt. “As a nurse, I have always dedicated myself and my work to helping others. By continuing my education, I can continue to care for my patients with my heart and soul.”

Hope For The Warriors understands the pressures and stresses that spouses of military members face and their need to seek more for themselves while helping their families at the same time. That is what spawned the Hope For The Warriors Spouse/Caregiver Scholarships more than 15 years ago. These scholarships are a way to help the mental and financial health of families. They allow a spouse to grow through education and add to the family’s financial wellness.

Applications for HOPE’s fall 2022 scholarships are open now through April 30, so it’s the perfect time to follow Burgwardt and make a move on the education endeavor you’ve been thinking about. It’s a simple process; just visit hopeforthewarriors.org and connect with services. 

Currently, HOPE offers the following scholarships:

• Honorary Scholarship: Awarded to those seeking a graduate or post-graduate degree.
• New Beginnings Scholarship: Awarded to those pursuing associates and entry-level classes or training. The 2022 New Beginnings Scholarship is funded in Loving Memory of Jerry Wright, through the generosity of Fred and Maria Jose Wright.
• Restoring Family Scholarship: Awarded to spouses of the Fallen.
• Restoring Hope Scholarship: Awarded to Master of Social Work students.
• Restoring Self Scholarship: Awarded to those seeking a bachelor’s degree. 

Eligibility is based on a spouse or caregiver’s ability to show their post-9/11 service member or veteran sustained a combat-related injury and/or has a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating to include Individual Unemployability. The Hope For The Warriors Scholarship Program considers a combat-related injury to be an injury caused by armed conflict, hazardous duty, instrumentality of war, and simulated war.

For more information on Hope For The Warriors, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.