SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships

For complete information on The American Legion Scholarships click on this link https://www.legion.org/scholarships

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.

DEWEY LOWMAN POST 109 SHINNAMON SCHOLARSHIP

George Shinnamon was Dewey Lowman Post’s first Commander (1934-1936). In his honor, the Post will award a $1,000 scholarships for the first year of study at an accredited college, university or for certain other approved post-secondary training programs (e.g., vocational), assuming applications requirements are met.

Applicants must be high school seniors graduating in spring 2027. Applicants must also be a direct family member of a Dewey Lowman Post 109 member. Direct family member is defined as a child, stepchild, adopted child, grand or step grandchild, or great-grand or step great-grandchild. The Post member must have been a member of the Post for a minimum of two years with 2026-2027 dues paid.

Application are available on the link below and must be completed and returned no later than 15 April 2027.

2027 Shinnamon Scholarship Application

SAMSUNG 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 2015, 10 $20,000 scholarships and 88 $852 scholarships were awarded. To date, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship has awarded more than $5.2 million to nearly 1,800 applicants.

MORE INFORMATION: SAMSUNG AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIP

LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP

Since the inception of The American Legion Legacy Scholarship in 2001 following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, The American Legion has offered its support to the children of fallen post-9/11 servicemembers through this scholarship. Beginning with the 2017 award year, The American Legion expanded the scholarship to include children of VA-rated, post-9/11 veterans with a disability of 50 percent or higher. Our organization remains committed to honoring the memory and service of our fallen and disabled comrades by ensuring their children are afforded the best possible educational opportunities.

Despite the best efforts of our federal and state governments to offer financial aid, an ever-broadening gap in funding is still notable. Through its American Legion Legacy Scholarship, The American Legion is able to ensure the children of our fallen and disabled, post-9/11 veterans are able to cover the cost of their educations, including graduate school.

MORE INFORMATION: LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP

ORATORICAL CONTEST

(Also see Oratorical)

Scholarships are awarded to the three finalists. First place receives $18,000, second gets $16,000 and third takes $14,000.

Each individual state winner certified into and participating in the first round of the national contest receives a $1,500 scholarship.

Each first-round winner who advances but does not qualify for the finals receives an additional $1,500 scholarship.

Scholarships may be used to attend any college or university in the United States.

In addition to the national organization’s scholarships, hundreds of scholarships are awarded to participants by posts, districts, counties and departments during earlier levels of competition.

MORE INFORMATION: ORATORICAL CONTEST

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 Division.

MORE INFORMATION: EAGLE SCOUT OF THE YEAR