The American Legion supports students through a range of scholarship programs tied to military service, leadership, academics, and extracurricular involvement. These programs are available at the national, state, and local levels, giving students several ways to qualify depending on their background and participation in Legion activities.
Legacy Scholarship
The Legacy Scholarship supports children of Service Members who died on active duty after September 11, 2001, as well as children of post-9/11 Veterans who have a VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher. It is a needs-based program designed to help cover remaining college costs after other financial aid is applied. Awards can reach up to $20,000 for children of fallen Service Members and up to $5,000 for children of disabled Veterans, with the option to reapply for additional years.
Samsung American Legion Scholarship
The Samsung American Legion Scholarship is available to high school juniors who attend American Legion Boys State or Auxiliary Girls State and are direct descendants of wartime Veterans. Funded by a long-standing endowment, the program has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships since its inception. National winners can receive up to $10,000, while other recipients typically receive between $1,250 and $5,000. Selection is based on academic performance, leadership, and community involvement.
American Legion Baseball Scholarship
Student-athletes involved in American Legion Baseball have access to scholarship funding through this program. Participants are usually nominated by their coaches, and awards are based on both athletic performance and academics. Scholarship amounts generally range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the level of competition and available funding each year.
Oratorical Contest Scholarships
The American Legion Oratorical Contest provides an opportunity for students with strong public speaking skills and an understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Students who advance through local, state, and national competitions can earn scholarship money, with top national awards reaching up to $25,000. Smaller awards are also available at earlier levels of competition.
Anavicus Scholarship
The Anavicus Scholarship is available to students attending specific colleges and universities, as well as ROTC participants and descendants of Anavicus members. The program supports students pursuing higher education while maintaining a connection to service and leadership traditions associated with The American Legion. Eligibility requirements and award amounts vary by institution and program guidelines.
State and Local Scholarships
In addition to national programs, many state and local American Legion posts provide their own scholarships. These vary in eligibility and award size, often supporting students based on academic performance, community involvement, or family ties to military service. Additional opportunities may also be connected to programs such as Boys State, Junior Shooting Sports, and Eagle Scout recognition.
Together, these scholarships create multiple options for students to receive financial support for college. Whether through military family connections, leadership development, athletics, or public speaking, The American Legion continues to support students working toward higher education.
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