For many service members, the transition from the military to higher education comes with challenges—especially when it comes to paying for school. That’s why the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), in partnership with Sport Clips Haircuts and Student Veterans of America (SVA), offers several student veteran scholarships and support opportunities to help ease the financial burden.

From the Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship, to Student Veteran Support Grants, to the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship, these programs are designed to ensure veterans succeed both in the classroom and in their future careers.

Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship – Active Duty Military and Veteran Scholarships 2025

The VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” helps veterans and service members pay for tuition and fees so they can pursue their educational and career goals without overwhelming student debt.

Scholarship Highlights:

• Awards up to $5,000 per qualified applicant

• One scholarship per family per semester

• Fall Applications: Jan. 1 – Apr. 30 (awarded in August)

• Spring Applications: Aug. 1 – Nov. 15 (awarded in January)

• Restricted to tuition and fees only, paid directly to accredited schools

• Scholarships must be used by the end of the school semester for which the veteran is applying or will become null and void

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizen

• Retired, honorably discharged, active duty, National Guard, or Reserve

• Completed Basic Training and advanced training

• Separated with or currently hold a military rank of E-5 or below

• Demonstrated financial need

• Enrolled in or accepted to a VA-approved accredited post-secondary institution

👉 Apply Now for the Help A Hero Scholarship.

Veterans Day Free Haircuts & How They Fund Scholarships

Every Veterans Day, Sport Clips Haircuts gives back to the military community with free haircuts for veterans and active-duty service members.

But these free haircuts do more than honor service—they help fund the Help A Hero Scholarship. During Veterans Day events, Sport Clips customers and communities donate generously, and these contributions are used to directly support veteran scholarships across the country.

So, when you sit down in a Sport Clips chair on Veterans Day, you’re not only receiving a free haircut—you’re also helping fund the education of fellow veterans nationwide.

Learn More!

VFW Student Veteran Support Grant

The Student Veteran Support Grant helps ensure student veterans have access to resources and events, even if they’re not connected to a large SVA chapter on campus.

Grant Details:

• Awards up to $500 per event (max $1,000 per fiscal year per VFW entity)

• Must be applied for through a VFW Post, District, Department, or National entity

• Funds must support student veteran events and outreach on campus

👉 Apply for a Student Veteran Support Grant.

VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship

For student veterans passionate about leadership and advocacy, the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship offers a unique chance to influence veteran policy.

Selected Fellows travel to Washington, D.C., to join the VFW’s legislative team during the VFW Legislative Conference. Fellows meet with lawmakers, advocate for student veteran issues, and gain valuable leadership experience.

👉 Learn More about the Legislative Fellowship.

Why These Veteran Scholarships & Grants Matter

Higher education should be a new beginning—not a financial obstacle. Through programs like the Help A Hero Scholarship, Student Veteran Support Grants, and the Legislative Fellowship, veterans gain access to vital funding, resources, and leadership opportunities.

Thanks to partnerships like Sport Clips’ Veterans Day Free Haircuts, everyday acts of gratitude are transformed into long-term impact—helping service members transition from the battlefield to the classroom and beyond.

Take Action

• Apply for the Help A Hero Scholarship before the next deadline.

• Ask your local VFW Post about the Student Veteran Support Grant.

• Explore the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship for leadership opportunities.

• Support Sport Clips Veterans Day Free Haircuts to help keep these scholarships funded.

Your service deserves support—and these scholarships, grants, and programs are here to help you succeed in 2025 and beyond.