Emerging Leader Award
Applications open August 15, 2025, and close November 3, 2025
About the SF Emerging Leader Award
The “SF Emerging Leader Award” is a distinguished honor presented during the Special Forces Foundation (SFF) Gala. This award recognizes an extraordinary young leader who is the child of a current or former United States Army Special Forces (Green Beret) service member and who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to their community.
Along with the honor of being named the “SF Emerging Leader,” the recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship to support their undergraduate education.
Do You Qualify?
1. PREVIOUS RECIPIENT
You will NOT be eligible if you have been the recipient of this award in any previous year.
2. Parent/Guardian Military Service
Must be the child of a current or former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) service member, whether active duty, retired, or deceased.
3. Age and Educational Status
Applicants must be enrolled as juniors (third-year standing) at an accredited college or university and pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
4. Academic Achievement
Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
5. Leadership and Community Engagement
Actively involved in leadership roles or community service, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact and upholding the values of the Special Forces legacy.
6. Character and Integrity
Exhibits exceptional moral character, resilience, and determination, embodying the ethos of the Special Forces community.
7. Applicants must submit
- A personal essay (500–750 words) detailing their achievements, aspirations, and how their experiences as the child of a Green Beret have shaped their life.
- Two letters of recommendation from non-family members (e.g., teachers, mentors, or community leaders).
- Official academic transcript(s).
SELECTION PROCESS
The recipient of the “SF Emerging Leader Award” will be chosen by the Gala Committee, composed of Special Forces Foundation representatives. The selection process involves a thorough review of all applications to identify the candidate who best exemplifies the award’s values.
Recipient Responsibilities
Once a grant has been awarded by the Special Forces Foundation (SFF), the recipient agrees to the following conditions:
Use of Funds
Grant funds must be applied directly toward educational expenses.Verification of Enrollment
At the conclusion of each academic term or semester, recipients are required to provide verification of enrollment and attendance. This verification must be submitted within 30 days of the term’s end and may be mailed to the SFF office or submitted electronically to d.sartor@specialforcesfoundation.org.Accountability
Failure to provide verification within the required timeframe may result in a request for reimbursement of the awarded grant. It is the recipient’s responsibility to ensure that documentation is received by the Foundation.
Key factors considered by the Gala Committee include:
- Strength and depth of the personal essay.
- Academic and extracurricular achievements.
- Demonstrated leadership and community involvement.
- Endorsements provided through letters of recommendation.
The award will be announced on December 15, 2025 live on our social media and the Emerging Leader Award recipient will be flown to Dallas, Texas to be presented during the SFF Gala on January 23, 2026 in Dallas, Texas, celebrating the remarkable achievements of the recipient and honoring the enduring legacy of the Green Beret family. Transportation and hotel will be provided in Dallas, TX for the awardee.