Title:Craig Newmark Veterans Scholarship Fund

Uplifting military-connected students with an interest in public policy

• Designed for service members, veterans, and military-connected students
• Supports tuition, networking opportunities, and student organizations
• Donor founded “craigslist” in 1995 and later created Craig Newmark Philanthropies

In May 2021, the McCourt School of Public Policy announced the creation of the Craig Newmark Veterans Scholarship Fund to remove financial hurdles for active-duty service members, veterans, and military-connected students who wish to train for a public policy career. 

The donor, Craig Newmark, founded “craigslist” in 1995, and set up Craig Newmark Philanthropies in 2015 to contribute to the common good and promote the values of fairness, opportunity, and respect. 

“Veterans offer valuable insights in so many policy areas given their experiences,” says Newmark. “They bring new perspectives and solutions for the tough policy challenges facing so many people, especially the veteran community. They are people of conscience and we need their voices in the public policy arena.” 

The McCourt School has continued advancing its mission to shape public policy for the common good by welcoming over 20 Newmark Scholars across five McCourt programs since 2022.

Scholars come from across the military’s branches, and each Scholar receives a $20,000 scholarship for their full- or part-time graduate studies. 

To help students thrive during their graduate studies, the fund also supports networking opportunities and student-run organizations like the National Defense Policy Initiative, which seeks to increase awareness and understanding of the military profession and provide a working knowledge of military organizations, essential for students pursuing domestic or international careers in government.

“I’m drawn to the Jesuit principle of ‘people for others,’” shares Newmark. “Veterans also believe in service, in commitment. They’ve sacrificed a lot for our country, and I’d like to do what I can to help them advance their careers in public service.” 

Newmark Philanthropies has also supported the Veterans Scholarship Fund at Georgetown with subsequent gifts in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. 

A ripple effect 

Most Newmark Scholars pursue a career in the public sector. Lauren Augustine (G’22), a member of the inaugural class of Newmark Scholars, said the scholarship fund was “truly life-changing,” allowing her to provide for her family and build a stronger future for her daughter. She is now a director of government and community relations at Virginia Tech. 

Other Newmark Scholars graduates work in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy; the State Department; Army and National Guard; United States Space Force; and the Federal Reserve, among other organizations. 

“The Craig Newmark Veterans Scholarship Fund contributes meaningfully to our effort to make Georgetown accessible for all,” said Interim President Bob Groves. “We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with our Newmark Scholars, show our appreciation for their service, and provide transformative educational experiences at the McCourt School of Public Policy. With his generous giving, Craig Newmark has made it possible for more veterans and military-related students to build their careers and follow their ambitions.”

Georgetown’s holistic support includes the university’s Military and Veterans’ Resource Center (MAVRC), currently led by Stephan Murphy, a U.S. Army veteran who has spent years supporting military-connected students in higher education. Georgetown is also home to the Hoya Battalion ROTC program and the Georgetown University Student Veterans Association. 

McCourt is ranked #9 Best Colleges for Future Leaders 2026 —Time Magazine