SCHOLARSHIPS
BOYS STATE SCHOLARSHIP
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State. At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.
High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.
For additional information on Boys State Scholarships, please contact the Post at galegion251@gmail.com and include the subject of "Boys State"
Oratorical Scholarship
The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, “A Constitutional Speech Contest” is normally held in mid to late January of each year. All High School Students, including Home School students, from Grades 9-12 are eligible to compete.
There will be two speeches given by each contestant, the first is a prepared oration chosen by the student and must be on some aspect of the Constitution, with emphasis on a citizen’s duties and obligations to our government.This oration must be at least 8 minutes and no more than 10 minutes in duration. The second speech is on an assigned topic, this topic will be given to the student and he/she will have 5 minutes to compose their thoughts before giving the second oration. This oration must be at least 3 minutes and no more than 15 minutes in duration. There are penalties for being under or over the minimum and maximum times. A list of possible assigned topics will be provided to the students in advance to allow them to research each topic prior to the contest. There will be cash prize sof $250, $200, and $150 dollars for the First, Second, and Third Place Winners. There are multiple levels of competition available to the First Place winner. The next level of the contest is The American Legion 9th District competition. First Place winners from the various Post’s in the 9th District will compete against each other. There is also an Area competition followed by a State competition leading up to the National Finals competition which is held in Indianapolis, IN. Travel expenses to the National Finals are paid for by The American Legion for all State First place winners. Each of these competitions provide additional scholarship money. The First place winner of the National competition receives an $18,000 scholarship, the Second place winner receives a $16,000 scholarship, and the Third place winner receives a $14,000 scholarship.
For additional information on Oratorical Scholarships, please contact the Post at galegion251@gmail.com and include the subject of "Oratorical Scholarship".
POST Scholarship
Each year Post 251 awards a $750 scholarship to a deserving High School Student. See the Post Club Manager for an application.
9th District Scholarship
Robert E. "Bob" Campbell Scholarship
Scholarships Available from National
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship
The American Legion wants to ensure higher education is a possibility for children whose parents have been killed while serving our country. It is a civic duty to provide them with equal opportunity. The Legion offers its support through the Legacy Scholarship Fund.
There has been a significant shortfall in government money allotted to children with parents lost in war. The government gives these children a college education stipend worth slightly more than $37,000. Taking into account living expenses, textbooks and rising tuitions, this benefit covers only a little more than half of college costs in the most afforable situation. And the price tag of higher learning will only continue to rise. The most conservative estimates predict a 5-percent annual increase, meaning that in 16 years the most affordable college education will be $132,800. Obviously, military compensation will not keep up.
Aid Offered
The amount of aid and number of awards depend upon the income derived from the trust. Scholarship recipients may re-apply for the award.
Eligibility
Those eligible to apply for the scholarship shall be the child/children or legally adopted child/children or a child of a spouse by a prior marrige or dependent child as defined by the United States Armed Services of active duty United States Miliary and National Guard, and military reservists who were federalized and die on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. The applicant must be a high school senior or high school graduate to apply for the scholarship. Scholarship is for undergraduate study at an accredited instituion of higher education within the United States.
Deadline
Application must be post marked no later than April 15th.
New Application/Renewal Application
New applicants are required to complete a New Application. The online application is a fillable PDF and may be completed electronically. The completed application must be printed in order to submit to the American Legion National Headquarters.
Returning applicants are required to complete a Renewal Application. The online application is a fillable PDF and may be completed electronically. The completed application must be printed in order to submit to the American Legion National Headquarters.
Samsung American Legion Scholarship
Worldwide electronics leader Samsung endowed a scholarship fund of $5 million to be administered by The American Legion in 1996. Meant to show appreciation for U.S. veterans who came to Korea's aid during its struggle against communist forces in the Korean War, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program established a series of scholarships derived from interest and other income from the principal amount. In 2014, nine $20,000 scholarships and 89 $1,100 scholarships were awarded. To date, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship has awarded more than $5.2 million to nearly 1,800 applicants.
Eligibility
Scholarship applications are restricted to high school juniors who attend the current session of either The American Legion Boys State or Auxiliary Girls State program and are a direct descendant - i.e. child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. - or a legally adopted child of a wartime veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for American Legion membership.
Samsung scholarships are for undergraduate study only and may be used for tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school and community activities, community service and financial need. Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War veterans will receive special consideration.
Deadline
Applications are submitted to program staff upon participants' arrival to Boys State or Girls State.
Applications must be filled out online (not handwritten) and printed for submission.
For More Information:
Eagle Scout of the Year Award
The American Legion honors the Eagle Scout of the Year at the national convention with a $10,000 scholarship. The three runners-up get $2,500. Further information is available from department adjutants or the Americanism Division.
For More Information: