Although the program emphasis is on African American males wishing to become educators, the program is open to everyone.

The Soldiers to Scholars program under the direction of Defense Transition Services (DTS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is designed to recruit U.S. military veterans to Orlando to further their education at a post-secondary institution. Emphasis will be placed on recruiting veterans interested in becoming teachers. Although minorities are targeted for this program, no one is exempt based on race or gender. Participants who are qualified for the program are eligible for tuition assistance (tuition and books)

To be eligible for the Soldiers to Scholars program the participant must meet the following criteria:

1) Filled out the Soldiers to Scholars Program Application
2) Demonstrated proof of an honorable discharge (DD2 14)
3) Completed an Income Verification Form stating that their anticipated household income does not exceed the allowable limit
4) Demonstrated proof of enrollment in college
5) Submitted a signed Letter of Understanding. The Letter of Understanding lists requirements of the participant to remain in good standing and thereby remain in the program.

To be considered in good standing, the participant must

1) Volunteer 20 hours per month to mentor at risk children in the "community designation"
2) Attend mandatory training classes and meetings
3) Complete twenty-four (24) credit hours per school year, including the Summer term. Participants must take a minimum of nine (9) credit hours per semester in the fall and spring. They may take courses in one of the Summer semesters to attain the required 24 credit hours if they take a minimum of six (6) hours in the Summer semester
4) Demonstrate fiscal responsibility by paying bills in a timely manner
5) Display the morals and responsibility expected of a person serving as a positive role model* and mentor.

Soldiers to Scholars participants live in designated inner-city housing and receive a housing stipend to defray the cost of living while taking part in the program. By living in the neighborhood they are visible 24 hours a day and seven days a week and are better able to act as mentors and role models to the children. Housing assistance funds are provided by a grant from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

* Definition of a Positive Role Model
A positive role model is hereby defined, for the purpose of this program, as an ex-soldier who has consistently established a continuous pattern of integrity, moral strength, self-discipline, responsibility, a record free of criminal convictions, and who can encourage by example these same attributes in others, especially those to whom they will become mentors.