SCHOLARSHIP CHANGES
Through its Legacy Scholarship, The American Legion has been caring for the children of the men and women who honorably served their country and gave the ultimate sacrifice while on active-duty military service on or after 9/11. The renewable scholarship has assisted children with paying for the rising cost of higher education.
After Thursday’s approval of Resolution 1, the scholarship’s eligibility requirements are expanding and the amount of financial aid awarded is increasing.
Children of post-9/11 veterans with a VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher are now eligible to apply to the Legacy Scholarship, which will award up to $20,000 in aid. The National Executive Committee passed the Committee on Youth Education’s resolution during the Legion’s annual Spring Meetings in Indianapolis.
Changes to the scholarship will go into effect starting with the 2017 application, which is due April 20, 2017. New and returning Legacy Scholarship applicants can apply online at www.legion.org/scholarships/legacy; completed applications must be submitted by April 20.For children of the fallen, this includes legally adopted children, the parent did not have to die in combat or on foreign soil. And for children of post-9/11 disabled veterans, it is important to note that the veteran must have a 50 percent or higher disability rating from the VA, not from the Social Security Administration. Paperwork showing the VA disability rating – and a military death certificate for the fallen service member – will be required in the application process.
“NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL, COMMITTED CITIZENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD; INDEED, IT’S THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS.” MARGARET MEAD
SCHOLARSHIPS
NOTE: Each Post has its own list of Scholarships and other Programs. Encourage your legionnaires to place a high priority for the further education of our children. List the scholarships your Post sponsors.
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.
Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
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.
American Legion Boys State is currently conducted in 49 Departments of The American Legion. Hawaii does not conduct a program. As separate corporations, Boys States vary in content and method of procedure, but each and every Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level.