Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Awards Record Number of Scholarships and Honors 250th Birthday of the Marine Corps at Marine Barracks Washington
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (July 29, 2025) – The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF),a national nonprofit providing post-secondary educational scholarships to the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen, today announced its 2025–2026 class of scholarship recipients during a ceremony held at Marine Barracks Washington on Monday, July 28.
The biennial Scholarship Announcement Ceremony included a student processional, remarks from military leaders and scholarship recipients, and the formal announcement of the number of scholarships and total funds awarded for the 2025–2026 academic year. This year, MCSF awarded 2,886 scholarships totaling $12,098,500 to students across the country pursuing post-secondary or career technical education.
In total, the 2025-2026 class of scholarship recipients represent more than 31,000 years of military service and reflect many generations of Marine Corps service. The oldest recipient was born in 1966 and their military parent served in the Vietnam War, while the youngest recipient was born in 2009, and their military parent served in the Global War on Terror. Several recipients are descendants of Marines whose service dates back to World War II, including several grandchildren of Navajo Code Talkers.
The program was emceed by Sergeant Major Micheal P. Barrett, USMC (Ret.), Director of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Remarks were delivered by Ted Probert, President and CEO of MCSF; Sergeant Major Jimmy F. Richard Jr., USMC, Sergeant Major of Marine Barracks Washington; and Simona Richard, a 2025–2026 Marine Scholar and senior at Howard University, who served as the evening’s student speaker.
“Each scholarship we award reflects our commitment to the Marine Corps community and to the future of the next generation,” said Ted Probert, Lieutenant Colonel USMC (Ret.) and current President and CEO of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. “As we recognize the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps this year, it is especially meaningful to stand alongside these remarkable students and their families. Their stories of resilience, leadership, and service remind us why this mission matters.”
The ceremony also welcomed Sergeant Major Justin LeHew, USMC (Ret.), as Military Guest of Honor. A highly decorated combat veteran, Sergeant Major LeHew was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He was hand-selected to lead the rescue and recovery of the U.S. Army’s 507th Maintenance Company and the high-profile rescue of Private Jessica Lynch. He also received the Bronze Star with Combat Valor Distinction for his courageous actions during the Battle of Najaf. His remarks served as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice and leadership at the heart of the Marine Corps.
The ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., coincided with the ongoing celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. Approximately 50 Marine Scholars and their military parents participated in the evening event, many dressed in formal military Service uniforms.
