SGT Michael Beckerman Scholarship

SGT Michael Beckerman Memorial Scholarship

SGT Michael Joe Beckerman was 17½ when he enlisted into the National Guard. SGT Beckerman served two tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and one tour in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While serving his country on these deployments, SGT Beckerman enrolled in the Sonoran Desert Institute and worked toward continuing his education. On 31 December 2010, he made the ultimate sacrifice: SGT Beckerman was killed in action (KIA) in Howz-e Madad, Afghanistan. He is survived by his daughter, Brianna. In memoriam of our student’s great sacrifice, the Sonoran Desert Institute is proud to present the SGT Michael Beckerman Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship annually provides full tuition and fees each semester to two recipients, one in the fall and one in the spring.

Initial Eligibility Requirements:

The SGT Michael Beckerman Memorial Scholarship is a full academic scholarship for SDI’s Associate of Science and Firearms Technology or Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology degree program. All applying candidates must:

• Submit a regular SDI application for enrollment with all relevant supporting documentation
• Meet eligibility requirements for their selected program of study as outlined in Sonoran Desert Institute’s Catalog.
• Currently serving in good standing or honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Provide a DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, Service Verification Letter, or Official Verification Letter from the Commanding Officer or Unit verifying military service.
• Demonstrate a commitment to and passion for the firearms industry or uncrewed technology field by answering essay questions.
• Submit a letter of recommendation from a non-family member.
• Begin studying at SDI within six months following the scholarship award.

Continuing Eligibility: Recipients of the SGT Michael Beckerman Memorial Scholarship must:

• Comply with SDI’s Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements and be free of any financial holds on their accounts.
• Maintain eligibility requirements for their selected program of study as outlined in Sonoran Desert Institute’s Catalog.
• Remain continuously enrolled to maintain scholarship eligibility and achieve a 3.0 Cumulative GPA.

Application: Applicants must complete an SDI Enrollment Application and the SGT Michael Beckerman Memorial Scholarship Application with all relevant supporting documents by the deadlines below. If you have any questions, please contact scholarship@sdi.edu.

• By Noon Mountain Standard Time on November 30 for the spring award.
• By Noon Mountain Standard Time on May 31 for the fall award.

Essay: Applicants must answer the prompt (maximum 1,000 words). The essay will be based on quality, content, organization, and proper formatting, grammar, and spelling.

• The essay prompt will be published on the application and is subject to change during each scholarship cycle
• The essay should be submitted as a .pdf file that contains a cover page, is double-spaced, and in 12-point Times New Roman font. Your viewpoint and the essay’s purpose should be clearly established and sustained. The essay should follow the conventions of Standard American English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.).

Award Procedures: Applicants will receive an email notification regarding their award status approximately 30 days after the scholarship application deadline.

• The chosen recipient must respond within 30 days, indicating their intent to accept the scholarship.
• Students who are awarded an SDI Scholarship are responsible for the charges obtained within the semester in which they are currently enrolled. The SDI Scholarship will be awarded at the start of the next full semester after the approval date.
• Scholarship recipients may only be awarded this scholarship once in their lifetime. This policy ensures that the available funds can support a broader range of students in achieving their educational goals.