The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is dedicated to honoring Marines by educating their children. The Scholarship Foundation is the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children. In nearly sixty years, the Scholarship Foundation has awarded nearly 50,000 scholarships worth more than $155 million to children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen. Raised on the values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, these students go on to become leaders in their community.

These are students like Lee, the son of Master Sergeant Lee Balderaz, Sr. Lee told us, “As the child of an active-duty Marine, the Marine Corps has provided incredible opportunities for travel, education, and overall personal growth.” When Lee began his studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill amid a global pandemic, the discipline and perseverance his Marine father taught him were invaluable to his success. Lee is studying biology with the dream of becoming a doctor, potentially a cardiologist or radiologist. Because of his scholarship, Lee can focus on his studies and pursuing opportunities outside the classroom, such as research and volunteering.

Lee is one of over 2,500 Marine Scholars this year. All of them are students raised on Marine values. The Scholarship Foundation supports students no matter when their Marine parent served and has special programs for students whose parents were wounded or fallen during their service. Along with students pursuing traditional two- or four-year degrees, scholarships are also available for students pursuing career and technical education programs. By running in the Marine Corps Marathon, you’re honoring the service of Marines and helping ensure that their children have access to the educational opportunities they deserve.