No One Left Behind and Afghan Future Fund Launch Second Round of America's Allies Scholarship Program

$100,000 initiative funds education and training for Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa holders; applications open July 13 and close July 27.

NEW YORK and ARLINGTON, Va., July 13, 2026 – No One Left Behind (NOLB) and The Afghan Future Fund (AFF) are now accepting applications for the second round of the America's Allies Scholarship Program (AASP), a $100,000 initiative funding education and training for Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders living in the United States. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, July 27, 2026.

A Special Immigrant Visa is granted to Afghan and Iraqi nationals who served alongside U.S. forces and diplomats. The AASP helps those allies pay for education and training that leads to a job or a license.

In its first year, the program drew more than 800 applications and disbursed more than $110,000 to 21 recipients, in fields including mechanical-electrical technology, dental hygiene, business, and cybersecurity. 

"As an Afghan, this program is deeply personal to me," said Nadima Sahar, Managing Director of the Afghan Future Fund. "I know what it means to have your future interrupted, and how life-changing it is when someone chooses to invest in your potential."

"These wartime allies have already demonstrated what they're capable of when the stakes were highest," said Andrew Sullivan, Executive Director of No One Left Behind. "Education programs give them the credentials to build on that resilience. Helping them achieve their educational goals while supporting their families is one of the most meaningful ways we can keep our promise to those who stood with us."

The scholarship funds professional certifications (such as HVAC, CNA, CDL, and IT), licensing and credential exams, vocational and trade training, community college coursework, and degree programs nearing completion. Priority goes to programs with a clear, near-term path to employment or licensure.

To apply, an ally must be an Afghan or Iraqi SIV holder, live in the United States, and be enrolled in or accepted to a U.S. education or training program. Applicants document the program, its cost, and the amount requested; complete the application in their own words (AI-generated content is disqualifying); and agree to an interview with a NOLB Ambassador if selected.

Applications close July 27. Interviews with selected applicants run through the end of August, award decisions are expected in early September, and disbursement begins September 1.

Applications are welcome through www.nooneleft.org/aaspapplication.

Questions can go to resettlement@nooneleft.org.

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About No One Left Behind. No One Left Behind is a veterans-led nonprofit dedicated to the Afghan and Iraqi allies who served the United States. NOLB helps these allies reach safety, rebuild their lives in the United States, and advocates to keep America's promise to those who stood with U.S. forces. Learn more at nooneleft.org.

About the Afghan Future Fund. The Afghan Future Fund, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, was founded in 2021 to support at-risk Afghans and help talented allies rebuild their lives and careers. Learn more at afghanfuturefund.org.

Media Contacts:

No One Left Behind – Matthew Marcellus, Director of Communications, matthew@nooneleft.org

Afghan Future Fund – Nasrin Nawa, Senior Communications Specialist, nasrin@afghanfuturefund.org 

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