Warrior-Scholar Project Alumni Pay It Forward to Fund Veteran Academic Boot Camp
The enlisted service members and veterans of Warrior-Scholar Project’s alumni community are teaming up for a mission, this time in service of higher education. To honor the impact of their own Warrior-Scholar Project academic boot camp experience, they aim to collectively raise the total cost of one Warrior-Scholar Project academic boot camp between now and Veterans Day as part of the Pay It Forward Challege.
The Pay It Forward Challenge unites Warrior-Scholar Project alumni as they share their stories and rally their networks to fund a new WSP boot camp. Through their stories, alumni are inspiring friends, family, and colleagues to support life-changing educational opportunities for future veteran scholars. This effort is creating a lasting impact!
Consider making a gift to WSP today and join us in supporting the incredible efforts of our alumni as they pay it forward. Every contribution truly makes a difference!
Read the stories of WSP alumni who have chosen to Pay It Forward below.
Luis Cornejo, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
“When I left the Marine Corps, I knew I would be an educator. I wanted to make a positive impact and change lives. But I was completely lost when it came to a plan on how to do it. I was the first in my family to attend college, and while I had the desire, I didn’t know the pathway. WSP showed me that pathway.”
Luis attended Warrior-Scholar Project at Texas A&M in 2017. He graduated from the College of the Desert in 2018 and the University of California, Berkeley in 2020.
Hanh Dinh, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
“The name ‘academic boot camp’ intimidated me, but I am so glad I ended up applying despite my nervousness. Not only did I regain my confidence in the classroom, I also connected with other student veterans, many of whom are still my close friends today!”
Hanh attended Warrior-Scholar Project as part of the all-women cohort at Yale University in 2022. She graduated from Golden West College in 2022 and the University of California-San Diego in 2024. Hanh is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania.
Brad Carney, U.S. Army veteran
“When 2015 rolled around and I decided to pursue my bachelor’s degree, old anxieties resurfaced. Past failed attempts at college before my military service haunted me, and the fear of academic failure loomed large. This is where WSP stepped in.”
Brad attended Warrior-Scholar Project at the University of Michigan in 2016. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 2020 and Harvard Law School in 2024.
Manny Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
“My time at Cornell in the summer of 2019 was transformative, igniting my motivation to complete my Bachelor’s in HR and later pursue a Master’s in International Relations, all thanks to WSP.”
After Manny attended Warrior-Scholar Project at Cornell University in 2019, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from American Military University in 2019, a master’s degree from Liberty University in 2021, and is now pursuing a PhD.
Britney Domine Madison, U.S. Navy veteran
“WSP has been a constant presence of support and encouragement for me ever since 2019. Once you join the WSP family, you’re in for life and the central staff and alumni are always there.”
Britney attended Warrior-Scholar Project at Harvard University in 2020 and graduated from San Diego State University in 2022.
Harry Foster, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
“WSP was the first real moment after the military where someone asked me questions that I should have gotten during my transition from the military: what are my dreams; what does my very best effort look like; how do I push past my limitations?”
Harry attended Warrior-Scholar Project at Columbia University in 2019. He graduated from Saddleback College in 2020 and Columbia University in 2023. Harry is currently pursuing a PhD at Michigan State University.
AJ Brown, U.S. Navy veteran
“Thanks to WSP I gained confidence, academic skills, and a supportive network of other student veterans. Most importantly, it proved to me that enlisted veterans can in fact succeed in higher education.”
AJ attended Warrior-Scholar Project at Georgetown University in 2023. He is currently attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Luke Hixson, U.S. Navy veteran
“While I performed academically well in high school, I knew that the transition from the military to the classroom would be socially and mentally challenging. […] Throughout my WSP experience, I learned the truth that I do, in fact, belong back in a traditional classroom environment.”
Luke attended Warrior-Scholar Project at the University of California-Irvine in 2020. He is currently attending Princeton University.
Romeo Sarmiento, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
“The sense of purpose I had in the military started to fade when my military life turned into a community college virtual classroom. I struggled to find meaning in my education. […] WSP reignited my love for learning, reminding me of the mindset of a lifelong learner that I had as an instructor.”
Romeo attended Warrior-Scholar Project at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 2021. He is currently attending the University of Virginia.