The Disaster Recovery International (DRI) Foundation is committed to helping veterans realize their dreams and succeed as they transition into emergency response, crisis management, business continuity, and disaster recovery professions.
The VOP scholarship will entitle the selected candidate to attend:
- A free DRI International business continuity education course (either in-person in near proximity to their current location or a web-based class), including qualifying examination,
- For those who pass the qualifying examination, a free DRI International certification application and all applicable application fees.
*The VOP scholarship does not include travel expenses, including airfare, lodging, and other costs associated with attending the course. Veterans who utilize their GI Bill to cover the cost of the course may be eligible to have travel expenses covered.
VOP Scholarship Application
An application must be completed to apply for the scholarship. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Please review the VOP Scholarship Application information below to see if you meet the qualifications and apply today.
Requirements
Applications will be accepted from:
- Active duty, Reserves, or National Guard (Separating or retiring within 1 year); or
- Veterans who have separated from the service within 3 years of application, and
- Veterans who received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions and,
- Veterans who served a minimum of 2 years Active Duty, this includes service in:
- Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force or
- Reserves or National Guard on Title 10 Call-ups, or
- Active Guard/Reserves (AGR)
- International military organizations may apply for scholarship but must meet the same requirements (in items 1 and 2 above) as US military service members.
- Must have an equivalent of a DD214 or Discharge paper, showing Honorable discharge or
- If still actively serving a Statement of Service on official government letterhead in English to be read by the committee.
NOTE: These forms (DD214 or equivalent and Statement of service) must be able to be validated from a US government source and point of contact (email and phone number required) to verify. - International applicants must submit resume in English for committee members.
Instructions
- Please complete all portions of the application form.
- All applications must be signed – this may be done electronically by simply inserting a signature in the signature block.
- Active duty /AGR/ Reserve and National Guard personnel must provide a letter from your commanding officer or designated representative (also known as a Statement of Service) on official government letterhead. Service organizational portals usually provide this information, and it comes with organizational letterhead.
- DO NOT send a copy of your common access card.
- Veterans provide proof via a DD214 or Honorable Discharge certificate; Personal information removed/blacked out on the DD 214.
- Remove first and middle name (keep the last name) on both sides
- Remove social security number / DOD ID Number on both sides
- Remove serial number
- Remove date of birth
- Remove place of entry and home of record
- Remove mailing address after separation
- Remove SGLI coverage
- Remove nearest relative
- Remove handwritten signature
- Veterans Administration, DMDC, or LES letters are not accepted.
- Include a current resume.
NOTE: This scholarship program is for those that are not currently serving in the Business Continuity career field.
Process
- Applications will be judged by an independent committee. Completed applications will have all identification removed and will be reviewed by an independent committee. The committee will make its determination based on service record, volunteerism activities, and an essay. The decision of the committee is final.
- Applicants will receive a notification email and/or letter informing them whether they have been awarded a scholarship or not within 1 week of the award dates.
| Application Date | Review | Award Date |
| January – March | April | May |
| April – June | July | August |
| July – September | October | November |
| October – December | January | February |
- Scholarship recipients have 30 days after award notification to select the BCLE 2000 class they wish to attend.
- Deployed (OCONUS) scholarship recipients must register for the course, within one year of receipt of an acceptance notification or within 15 months if being deployed (verification letter from commander or representative required).
- Recipients must inform DRI in writing within 30 days of class start if they will not be able to attend the selected class.
- Failure to attend the registered course session, without prior written notice, will result in permanent loss of current and any future scholarships.
- Recipients attend the selected class and take the exam. If recipients pass the exam they will be provided with a code to complete the certification application.
- Academic history may be released to the scholarship selection committee. The scholarship recipient will release to DRI International and the DRI Foundation the right to use name, application information, story, and pictures for printed and video materials, reports, and press releases, without compensation, as well as attendance ceremonies and receptions, as requested.
- The decisions of the committee are final.
NOTE: Applicants who apply for the scholarship but pay for the course prior to being awarded will not be refunded. We encourage you to wait for the response.