WASHINGTON, March 11, 2021 – The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) and Pentagon Federal (PenFed) Credit Union announce a partnership that will expand educational opportunities for current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. The centerpiece of the partnership is PenFed’s $25,000 gift that will fund five scholarships for military-affiliated GSPM students.
Beginning in the Summer 2021 term, five PenFed Scholars will earn a $5,000 scholarship to be applied towards tuition at GSPM. In order to be named a PenFed Scholar, a student must be an active or former member of the U.S. armed forces or the dependent (spouse or child) of a service member and must be enrolled in a full master's program. GSPM and PenFed plan to present a virtual event in fall 2021 focusing on the critical importance of civic engagement in a healthy democracy. Interested students should complete the scholarship application.
“PenFed is proud to partner with George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management to provide even more opportunities for the military community to learn from the world’s leading practitioners and experts,” said PenFed President/CEO and PenFed Foundation CEO James Schenck. “Expanding participation for military service members in programs like these is important because of their role in preparing strategic practitioners. Military experience provides a strategic sense, tactical skills, and capacity for leadership in public arenas.”
GSPM and PenFed are committed to maximizing educational opportunities for veterans and active duty service members and their families. GSPM has partnered with the U.S. Army to offer the U.S. Army Congressional Fellows program, a unique course of study for Army officers combining classroom instruction focused on applied politics with practical experience on Capitol Hill. Both PenFed and GW are distinguished as “Military Friendly” by G.I. Jobs and “Best for Vets” by Military Times Edge.
PenFed donates 2% of its annual net income to charitable organizations, with the majority going to military and veterans’ charities and the local communities where PenFed service centers are located. The PenFed Foundation, a national 501(c)3 founded by PenFed Credit Union, was created in 2001 and has provided more than $38.5 million in financial support to veterans, active-duty service members, families, and caregivers since its inception.