Announcement
NGS Insider: July 2025 Edition
BootCamp highlights: Scholars built Academic and Financial Roadmaps, sharpened resumes, and explored Washington, D.C., from the Library of Congress to Capitol Hill.
BootCamp Highlights
Scholars built personalized Academic and Financial Roadmaps, strengthened resumes and bios, and gained self-awareness through one-on-one CliftonStrengths coaching. Leadership consultant Dan Simon led a powerful session on self-advocacy, and NGS Alumni shared practical advice on thriving in college and beyond.
Community & Connection
Beyond the workshops, Scholars bonded through experiences across Washington, D.C., including the Library of Congress, Capitol Hill, and a lively scavenger hunt, creating memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Freedom Reception & Game Night
Hosted by the Entertainment Software Association, the evening honored Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund with the NGS Freedom Award and featured remarks from The Honorable Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Scholars also received new laptops, generously provided by Microsoft.
Sponsor Recognition
We are deeply grateful to our title sponsor, LKQ Corporation, along with Microsoft, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, Gary Sinise Foundation, Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, the Entertainment Software Association, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, the Maner Family, and Emily and Chip Grace for making BootCamp possible.
A Final Word of Thanks
To our volunteers, photographer Matt Mendelsohn, and most importantly, our Scholars: you brought courage, curiosity, and heart to BootCamp. Your journeys continue to inspire us all.
Keep Reading
More from the newsroom
Month of the Military Child: this edition features a $250,000 Gary Sinise Foundation grant and the Prescott family's four Scholars.
For Month of the Military Child, NGS honors the resilience of military children and its promise to the families of fallen and severely wounded Service members.
Retired Col. Tim Karcher reflects on the Presidential Leadership Scholars program and how it has shaped his work for military families since his 2016 graduation.
Retired Special Operations Master Sgt. Jim Hanson blogs from the 2011 NGS Freedom Award Dinner honoring SSG Joe Kapacziewski and Gen. Ray Odierno.
Stay Close
Keep up with the Scholars.
Quarterly updates on Scholars, milestones, and events — straight to your inbox. Or meet the Scholars your support makes possible.