Helping Heroes Grant

The Helping Heroes Grant is awarded to US veterans who were honorably discharged or who are a former or current member of a reserve or TN National Guard unit.

The award amount is $1,000 per semester for a student who enrolls in 12 or more semester hours in an eligible program of study. The award amount is $500 per semester for enrollment in six to 11 semester hours.

To be eligible, the student must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be an honorably discharged veteran of the United States, or a former or current member of a reserve or Tennessee National Guard unit who was called into active military service of the United States
• Be a Tennessee resident.
• Be awarded one or more of the following:
  • Iraq Campaign Medal
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, on or after Sept. 11, 2001
  • Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal
  • Other qualifying medals as authorized by THEC
• Enroll at an eligible 2-year or 4-year postsecondary institution.
• Have not earned a baccalaureate degree.
• Not be in default on a federal Title IV educational loan or Tennessee educational loan.
• Not owe a refund on a federal Title IV student financial aid program or a Tennessee student financial aid program.
• Be in compliance with federal drug-free rules and laws for receiving financial assistance.
• Not be incarcerated.

Complete the application for a Helping Heroes Grant for each academic year. The application processing deadlines are: September 1 (or the following business day) for fall enrollment, March 1 (or the following business day) for spring, or May 1 (or the following business day) for summer enrollment. Please mail your DD-214 to the address below or fax it to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission at (615) 741-6101.

Tennessee Higher Education Commission
312 Rosa Parks Blvd, 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243

Helping Heroes Grant – Eligible Institutions