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
The Gary Sinise Foundation awards a $350,000 grant to NGS, Scholar Jhaniya Haynes shares her story, and a look at 2026 BootCamp sponsorship and giving in honor of America's 250th.
A look ahead to the 2026 BootCamp and the June 26 Freedom Reception honoring Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, plus graduate spotlights on Aiden Vital and Isabella Ravella.
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.
At a Wall Street gala, donors rally behind the children of fallen and wounded warriors—anchored by the story of Lt. Col. Tim Karcher, who lost both legs in Iraq.
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