Two scholarships are available through The American Legion for military families
and high school students interested in government and citizenship. The American
Legacy Scholarship offers financial help for college students who lost a parent
on active military duty, while the High School Oratorical Scholarship rewards
excellence in a constitutional speech contest, with awards up to $25,000.
Deadlines and contest dates vary throughout the school year.
American Legacy Scholarship
- Amount: Depends on income from the trust; recipients may reapply
- Who can apply: Children or legally adopted children of U.S. active duty,
Guard, or Reserve military personnel who died on active duty on or after
September 11, 2001; must be high school seniors or graduates planning to attend
college in the U.S.
- Deadline: Not specified (contact for application)
- How to apply: Request an application from The American Legion
- Additional requirements: For undergraduate study only; scholarship funds
are meant to help bridge a financial gap in survivor’s benefits
High School Oratorical Scholarship Program
- Amount: From $50 in area contests to $25,000 for national first-place
winner
- Who can apply: U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents under age 20
enrolled in grades 9-12 or junior high; must reside or attend school in the
state of competition
- Deadline: Local contests by December 7; final national contest in
mid-February (state) and May (national)
- How to apply: Enter at local American Legion posts or contact Department
Headquarters at 800-365-8387
- Additional requirements: Contestants deliver speeches on the U.S.
Constitution, including a prepared oration and assigned topic discourse; only
one department contest allowed per contestant; national finalists cannot compete
again