Pat Tillman, in response to the attacks of September 11th, left a distinguished NFL career to serve as a U.S. Army Ranger with 75th Ranger Regiment in Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he was killed in 2004. The Pat Tillman Foundation was established by friends and Family to honor Pat's legacy and his commitment to service, learning and action.

The Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) invests in military Veterans and Spouses through academic scholarships- building a diverse group of leaders who are committed to service to others. Founded in 2008, the Tillman Scholars (TS) Program supports our nation's active-duty Service members, Veterans and military Spouses. The scholarship covers direct study-related expenses, including tuition and fees, books and living stipend, for scholars who are pursuing undergraduate, graduate or professional degrees as a full-time student at a public or private, U.S.-based accredited institution. Each year, Pat Tillman Foundation selects up to 60 Tillman Scholars who embody Pat's commitment to service, learning and action. The Scholars chosen demonstrate extraordinary academic and leadership potential and a deep desire to create positive change through their work in the fields of medicine, law, business, policy, technology, education and the arts. The scholarship is not a gift; it's an investment in excellence and potential.

Since its inception, the Tillman Scholars Program has evolved into a world-class community of military Veterans and Spouses. Selection of each year's class is a rigorous, three-month process conducted by regional committees. In 2020, Pat Tillman Foundation made a $1.2 million lifetime commitment to the 2020 Class of Tillman Scholars. Overall, Pat Tillman Foundation has invested more than $20 million in academic support since 2008, and has named 695 Tillman Scholars at more than 166 academic institutions nationwide.

Selection as a Tillman Scholar includes much more than financial support. Pat Tillman made his mark as a husband, teammate, Soldier, and brother. He believed we should always strive to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. As part of the Tillman Scholars Program, Scholars benefit from leadership development and a community of mentors to help them reach their fullest potential as leaders, so they too can make their mark on society.