Corvias Foundation and National Military Family Association Award Scholarships to 18 Military Spouses

Scholarship program marks sixth consecutive year of partnership to combat military spouse unemployment

EAST GREENWICH, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Corvias Foundation, a private foundation founded by Corvias CEO John Picerne to support education opportunities for military families, in cooperation with the National Military Family Association (NMFA), a nonprofit that serves military families, today announced the 2020 recipients of the Corvias Foundation/NMFA Licensure and Certification scholarship. Each of the 18 recipients are married to active duty service members.

“In a normal year, military families face ongoing challenges such as frequent moves and spouse deployments, but the ongoing pandemic has presented this community with additional financial uncertainties and strains,” said Maria Montalvo, executive director of Corvias Foundation. “Now, more than ever, it is critical we continue to support to military spouses through the scholarship program we created with NMFA to address military spouse unemployment.”

The demands of military life can affect a military spouse’s ability to maintain stable employment in certain professional fields. Nearly one third of employed military spouses work in professional fields that require state licensure or certifications, requiring them to secure new credentials when they relocate due to temporary orders or a permanent change of station. The Corvias Foundation/NMFA Licensure and Certification scholarship was designed specifically to address this problem and assist in covering the cost of obtaining the necessary documents to continue their careers in new states.

“One third of military spouses work in fields requiring a license or certification, and when they move, the costs to maintain their career add up,” said Besa Pinchotti, Acting Executive Director of the National Military Family Association. “Thanks to Corvias Foundation, these military spouses will be able to focus on building their professional futures and adding to their families’ financial stability.”

The 2020 recipients include 18 military spouses from seven different states. They will pursue careers in a wide variety of fields, including education, social work, applied data science, pharmacy, and more. Among this group is Rachel S. who shared how this support will help her achieve her goal of having a positive impact on others.

“Thanks to the generous support, the cost of taking classes to become a certified Lactation Consultant will reduce the financial strain during these unprecedented times of COVID-19. This scholarship will help me complete the necessary courses offered and allow me to sit for the exam. Since becoming a military spouse, I have been passionate about finding a career, conducive to military life while also positively impacting others.”

This year, Corvias Foundation and the National Military Family Association awarded $22,500 in scholarships to 18 military spouses. To date, more than $120,000 in funding through NMFA and Corvias Foundation’s partnership have been provided to more than 100 military spouses since the inception of the scholarship in 2015.

To learn more about the National Military Family Association, go to www.MilitaryFamily.org.

About Corvias Foundation

Corvias Foundation is committed to inspiring students, college and university campuses, and military families to reach higher. Founded in 2006 as “Our Family for Families First Foundation,” our work increases access to educational, internship, mentoring, and volunteer opportunities so that those we touch are empowered to pursue their dreams and to make a greater impact in service to their communities and their nation. We strive to create ever-increasing opportunities by providing the resources and networks needed to help our scholars and partners surpass their goals. We achieve this through a commitment to education, community engagement and high-impact charitable giving. To learn more, please visit: corviasfoundation.org.

About The National Military Family Association

The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit dedicated to serving the families who stand behind the uniform. Since 1969, NMFA has worked to strengthen and protect millions of families through its advocacy and programs. They provide spouse scholarships, camps for military kids, and retreats for families reconnecting after deployment and for the families of the wounded, ill, or injured. NMFA serves the families of the currently serving, veteran, retired, wounded or fallen members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA. To get involved or to learn more, visit www.MilitaryFamily.org.