Chapman University has been awarded $25,000 annually for the next five years to support students receiving benefits under the Chapter 35 Dependent Education Assistance (DEA) program. The funding comes from Valor Partners, a foundation focused on expanding educational opportunities for military and veteran families.
The grant is made possible through the Gary Sinise Foundation, which serves America’s veterans, first responders, and their families. With additional dedicated support from Chapman, the annual amount provided to Chapter 35 students through the Valor Partners partnership will be $50,000.
Chapter 35, also known as the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program, provides education and training benefits to eligible spouses and children of veterans who have died, are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, or are missing in action or were captured during service.
Chapman is now Valor Partners’ first official partner in California. The foundation, guided by values of honor, education, and innovation, has awarded approximately 1,700 scholarships nationwide through its partner schools.
“The incredible growth of VA students at Chapman showcases that the Chapman military-connected population is thriving here,” said Stephen Leader, Director of Chapman’s Veterans Resource Center. “This partnership will allow more Chapter 35 students to pursue their dreams at Chapman by providing the necessary funds to close the financial gap to attend our nationally-ranked institution.”
Since fall 2021, Chapman’s VA student population has grown by over 40%. Looking further back, the university has seen the largest growth of VA students among local, private institutions in Southern California since 2019. Between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, 265 distinct students at Chapman used the GI Bill®. During the 2024-2025 academic year, 40 distinct students used Chapter 35 DEA benefits.
The Valor Partners grant reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that spouses and children of 100% disabled or deceased veterans have access to quality higher education.
“We are proud to welcome Chapman University as a Valor Partners Foundation institution,” said Kelli Campbell-Goodnow, Executive Director at Valor Partners. “Their commitment to supporting a growing population of Chapter 35 students — spouses and children of our nation’s disabled and fallen veterans — demonstrates the kind of leadership we seek in our partners. Together, we’re turning sacrifice into opportunity and making sure these families don’t carry the cost of service alone.”
Since its creation in 2018, Chapman’s Veterans Resource Center has seen the VA student population grow by 135%. The Center plans to move to a larger office in early spring 2026 to support this growth.
The new partnership with Valor Partners is a powerful example of how philanthropy can change lives. If this gift inspires you and you want to support Chapman students for a brighter future, consider donating today.
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GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at benefits.va.gov/gibill.
