Student Veterans of America and RTX Announce 2024 RTX Patriot Scholarship Recipients

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 15 , 2024) - For the 2024-2025 academic year, Student Veterans of America®(SVA) and RTX are proud to continue their collaboration in supporting military service members and veterans. The RTX Patriot Scholarship, named after RTX's Patriot Air and Missile Defense System, awards two U.S. Army veterans with $10,000 each. This year's awardees are John Carson, Jr., and Jessica Fortino.

U.S. Army veteran and current MBA candidate at Fordham University, Jessica Fortino, learned about the RTX Patriot Scholarship while searching for scholarships specifically for veterans. Before the scholarship, she did not know much about SVA, however, after applying for the scholarship and connecting with SVA she became enamored with the organization. "It was really amazing to see how widespread SVA is, I really had no idea," said Fortino.

When Fortino received the news that she would be awarded one of the two RTX Patriot Scholarship she cried because it represented a large amount of money. This scholarship came at a pivotal moment in her life. "I was trying to figure out the finances and how to navigate student loans because I only have a portion of the GI bill, so the rest is coming out of my pocket," said Fortino.

The financial aspect of attending an out-of-state graduate program can place a strain on a student veteran and it can affect their mental health. Fortino lives in Richmond, Virginia, and travels to New York City once a month for classes. Thanks to RTX, this scholarship will alleviate some of the financial burden that Fortino faces. "I won't have to stress about getting down to the very end of my bank account while trying to go to school, work full time, buy my textbooks, and everything that goes along with the degree," said Fortino.

Not only will the scholarship help alleviate financial strain, but it will also allow Fortino to have an "extra cushion" to take days off from work to focus on attending her monthly in-person classes.

By easing the financial pressures of pursuing higher education, the RTX Patriot Scholarship empowers recipients to focus on their academic and professional goals without the constant worry of financial strain. As Fortino continues her studies at Fordham University, this scholarship will enable her to fully engage in her educational journey and advance her career aspirations. The partnership between SVA and RTX showcases the immense impact that dedicated support can have on those who have served, ensuring that they have the resources needed to succeed.

About Student Veterans of America
With a focused mission on empowering student veterans, Student Veterans of America® (SVA) is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through a dedicated network of nearly 1,600 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and 4 countries representing more than 750,000 student veterans, SVA aims to inspire yesterday's warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of like-minded chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. For more information, visit us at www.studentveterans.org.