First Lady Mary Pat Christie Renews Scholarship Program

New Jersey is once again helping military service members through a scholarship program. 

First Lady Mary Pat Christie is continuing her efforts to make the transition of military service members into the workforce less daunting with the New Jersey Heroes third annual Heart of a Hero Scholarship.

The program, which launched on June 20, helps service members pursue a post-secondary education or vocational training by providing another resource to make their higher education and career goals a reality.

The foundation will award 10 recipients with $5,000 in scholarship money to continue their education during the 2014-2015 academic year.

"Over the past two years, we've been able to provide assistance that has enabled our service men and women to pursue careers in areas such as the law enforcement, fine arts environmental science, medicine and marketing. We're pleased to have this opportunity to repay our military heroes in this small way for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our country," said Christie in an emailed press release on June 20.

A 2013 recipient, Marine Corps Capt. Christopher Southard, shared his appreciation in an emailed press release, "This scholarship is a huge help as I transition from Active Duty into the Reserves and a career in law enforcement. The scholarship helped me to complete my MS Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati in April."

Service members have until Friday, Aug. 1 to submit their application and will be notified if they are chosen as recipients later that month. For complete program information, criteria and to nominate a hero, visit the scholarship page.

New Jersey Heroes was started by Christie to showcase the positive ways organizations and people are impacting the state and their communities.