More than 24,000 active servicemembers have been wounded or injured since the Global War on Terrorism began on Sept. 11, 2001, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. Currently, the United States is caring for approximately 2,000 severely injured veterans. It is crucial that these men and women are provided with innovative opportunities for moving forward in their lives.

University of Phoenix has created a scholarship program to honor Arizona’s brave men and women who return home from service in Iraq and Afghanistan with severe injuries. Through full-tuition scholarships, injured veterans are empowered to reach their academic goals or pursue second careers. University of Phoenix programs are tailored to meet the needs of students’ busy schedules. For injured veterans, sometimes these “busy schedules” often consist of juggling family commitments, rehabilitation routines and school work.

The University of Phoenix scholarship program was conceived when a former University associate’s son, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brent N. Bretz, returned home severely injured from service two and a half years ago. After having endured nearly 60 medical procedures and operations, he will begin working toward his bachelor’s degree this fall through the scholarship program.

The opportunity to pursue academic and career goals is one that veterans deserve, and the flexibility offered by University of Phoenix is an element that veterans in particular welcome.

An excellent way to show gratitude to our nation’s heroes is to enable them to rebuild their lives and help them make the sometimes difficult transition back in to their communities and productive, fulfilling lives. Organizations can donate computers, participate on the University’s scholarship selection committee, or provide other resources that enable severely injured veterans to freely pursue higher education. University of Phoenix is especially proud to partner with Heroes to Hometowns in paying tribute to those who fight heroically for the protection of American freedoms. A special thank you goes out to Salute A Soldier and Soldiers’ Angels for donating laptops and peripherals and to Arizona Veterans Programs Association, Military HomeFront, and National Association of Veterans Programs Administrator for supporting awareness.

The University of Phoenix, Heroes to Hometowns Scholarship is available by clicking here: Scholarship.