Florida State University launches nation’s first Stamps Scholars Program for student veterans

As a nationally recognized leader in supporting student veterans, Florida State University is further empowering those who served through a new merit scholarship offered in partnership with the Stamps Scholars Program.

Launching this fall, the Stamps Veteran Scholars Program will honor the service, leadership and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans by providing transformative educational and leadership opportunities. It will be the nation’s first Stamps Scholars Program designed specifically for undergraduate student veterans.

“Stamps Veteran Scholars at FSU will be individuals of exceptional intellectual curiosity, demonstrated leadership and a deep commitment to service,” said Billy Francis, director of the FSU Student Veterans Center. “We are looking for students who seek not only to succeed academically, but to contribute meaningfully to our campus community and the world beyond.”

The SVSP at FSU will launch with an inaugural cohort of up to five Stamps Veteran Scholars, each receiving a merit scholarship and enrichment support package. Through a dollar-for-dollar funding match between Florida State University and the Stamps Scholars Program, the SVSP is designed to provide select student veterans with education and networking opportunities that provide a foundation for future growth.

Each veteran scholar will receive a total of up to $26,000 toward the completion of an undergraduate degree. That includes covering any remaining balance of Florida State’s estimated cost of attendance, up to $8,000 per year. It also includes up to $10,000 in enrichment funding that can be applied toward professional and scholarly enhancement opportunities, including study abroad experiences, undergraduate research, leadership programs and national conferences.

Stamps Veteran Scholars will also join a national network of Stamps Scholars and alumni, gaining access to a community of accomplished student leaders, mentorship opportunities and experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

“The SVSP will build upon FSU’s foundation of veteran student support by helping to eliminate financial barriers, empowering recipients to fully dedicate themselves to their academic goals, undergraduate research and leadership development as they transition into impactful civilian careers.”

– Billy Francis, FSU Student Veterans Center director

The Stamps Scholars Program was founded by Roe and Penny Stamps to help exceptional students achieve their education and life goals. Through partnerships with universities across the country, the Stamps Scholars Program supports high-achieving students through scholarship funding, leadership development and enrichment experiences.

The Stamps Scholars Program currently supports more than 1,330 Scholars, with 39 partner institutions nationwide. Together with alumni, the Stamps community includes more than 4,400 exceptional leaders.

“We are honored to partner with Florida State to recognize and support veterans whose service, leadership and sacrifice have strengthened our country,” Roe Stamps said. “The Stamps Veteran Scholars Program reflects our commitment to helping these exceptional students pursue their educational goals, develop their talents and continue making meaningful contributions in their communities and professions. We look forward to welcoming them into the broader Stamps Scholars community.”

In establishing the SVSP at FSU, the Stamps Scholars Program has recognized FSU’s stature among peer institutions in veteran support, retention, graduation and career-placement metrics. Central to this success is FSU’s commitment to providing students with comprehensive services, dedicated facilities and robust campus relationships. The Student Veterans Center hosts more than 30 annual veteran-centered programs and events to cultivate a deep sense of community and belonging among military-affiliated students.

“The SVSP will build upon FSU’s foundation of veteran student support by helping to eliminate financial barriers, empowering recipients to fully dedicate themselves to their academic goals, undergraduate research and leadership development as they transition into impactful civilian careers,” Francis said.

For more information about the SVSP, visit veterans.fsu.edu/stamps-veteran-scholars-program.