In 2005, sisters Rachel and Kelsi (then ages 10 and 8) saw first-hand the hardships faced by a military family when a friend’s father returned from Iraq severely injured. In appreciation of the family’s sacrifice, they launched ThanksUSA. Through its scholarship program, it empowers the children and spouses of military personnel to expand their education and skills through college, technical school, or vocational training programs. Priority is given to families of the wounded and fallen, and while all scholarships are based on financial need, scholars go on to earn an average 3.5 GPA. Select participants enter the Pathways for Patriots program, which matches scholars with corporate partners who provide professional mentoring, networking, and internship opportunities. To date, scholarships totaling more than $14.5 million (11.5% in DC, Virginia, and Maryland) have said thank you to military families who have given so much.
Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; VA-Statewide; 2120 Garden Grove Ln
Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49)
Population(s) Served: Students; Veterans/Military Families
- Value of 4,500 ThanksUSA Scholarships Awarded since 2006:
$14.5 Million
Awards & Recognition
Charity Navigator – 4-Star Rating
CNBC’s Top 10 Charities that Support Veterans – Listed as #2 Charity
Jefferson Award for Public Service – Awarded to ThanksUSA Co-Founders Rachel and Kelsi Okun
The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) Guardian Award
Caring Institute’s Hall of Fame – Inductees Rachel and Kelsi Okun
Above and Beyond Citizen Honors – State of Virginia Representatives Rachel and Kelsi Okun
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Founders’ Medal for Youth – Recipients Rachel and Kelsi Okun
USA TODAY 25th Anniversary Program – Selected as Top 25 National Charity
Press
- Military Families Face Unique Education Challenges
Mon Nov 26 2018, Medium
Twelve years ago Col. Lanier Ward became the inspiration for two young neighbor girls, Rachel and Kelsi Okun, who co-founded ThanksUSA.
- 2016 ThanksUSA Scholarship Recipients Selected
Tue Oct 18 2016, Business Wire
More than 250 children and spouses of America's Armed Forces have been selected to receive scholarships totaling nearly $1 million.
- ThanksUSA Unveils Pathways for Patriots Education-to-Career Initiative for Military Children and Spouses
Mon Sep 26 2016, Business Wire
ThanksUSA unveiled a new education-to-career initiative, which will pair companies with the charity's scholarship recipients.
- Military Families Deserve More Than Lip Service
Wed Jul 6 2016, USA TODAY
A decade ago, two young girls found a way to repay the sacrifices that military families have made on our behalf.
- ThanksUSA Holds Tennis Clinic to Help Disabled Veterans
Fri Jun 17 2016, ABC7
ThanksUSA held a tennis clinic hosted by a pro who knows how to serve.
Budget (FY2014)
- $3 million or higher
- The current budget for ThanksUSA is: $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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