The American Legion offers a number of scholarships and other resources to assist young people in their pursuit of higher education. Each year, the Legion facilitates the awarding of millions of dollars in scholarships to high school students.
There are opportunities for everyone, including kin of wartime veterans and participants in Legion programs. The Legion also publishes a valuable resource in “Need a Lift?” – a comprehensive guide to seeking and obtaining scholarships.
Listed below is a list of American Legion scholarships.
The American Legion Legacy ScholarshipThrough The American Legion Legacy Scholarship, the Legion works to ensure children of U.S. servicemembers who died on or after Sept. 11, 2001, receive equal opportunities in their pursuit of higher learning. In 2007 and 2008, the Legacy Scholarship Fund awarded nearly $72,000 in scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel who died on active duty. Donations are welcome and greatly needed, as college costs rise and conflicts escalate overseas.
The American Legion Baseball ScholarshipIn 2008, The American Legion awarded $22,000 in scholarships to deserving players. Each Department Baseball Committee may select a player from their Department to receive this scholarship. The American Legion will award several scholarships this year depending on the number of applicants and interest earned from the trust fund.
Samsung American Legion ScholarshipTo honor Korean War veterans, Samsung and The American Legion annually award $300,000 in scholarships to nearly 100 Boys State and Girls State participants who are direct descendants of a veteran eligible for Legion membership.
National High School Oratorical Contest The American Legion awards around $15,000 to each of the three finalists in the organization's National High School Oratorical Contest. All participants receive a scholarship.
Eagle Scout of the Year 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 and Children & Youth Division.
The Eight and Forty Lung and Respiratory Disease Nursing Scholarship FundThe Eight and Forty Lung and Respiratory Disease Nursing Scholarship was established to assist registered nurses with advanced preparation for positions in supervision, administration or teaching. Students must have employment prospects in specific positions in hospitals, clinics or health departments upon completion of their education, and the position must have a full-time and direct relationship to pediatric lung and respiratory control. Applicants must have a current registered nurse license. Scholarship awards are $3,000 each. Deadline for application is May 15, and recipients are announced July 1.
Need a Lift?"Need a Lift?" is A 152-page booklet updated annually to serve as a complete financial-aid reference guide to veterans, veterans’ dependents and members of the American Legion family. The publication contains information on federal and state veterans benefits; scholarships for veterans and their dependents, and Legionnaires and their family members; tips for applying to college and applying for financial assistance; and a comprehensive guide to colleges and universities listing tuition, room and board costs, and admission and financial aid deadlines.
