Message from our Education and Scholarships Chairperson- 5th District President Chelse Callahan
American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Washington Units;
This Scholarship Packet is being sent out with the request that you distribute the information to your schools and other sources, such as libraries, where students can use the opportunities for furthering their education.
It is very important to distribute this information as soon as possible; and, please follow up at least 2-3 times to ensure students are getting and using the information.
PLEASE read everything over and contact your schools as well as publicize in area papers. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THE SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS KNOW THE UNITS ARE THERE AND HOW TO CONTACT THE UNIT. This packet will also be available on the Department Website. The national scholarship applications are all online only. They can be accessed at https://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Yours in service & friendship for God & Country - Not self,
Chelse Callahan, Dept. Education Chairman
American Legion Auxiliary, Dept. of Washington
360-721-2585 chelsecallahan@gmail.com
2024-2025 ALA Scholarships
All National Scholarships are available online at https://www.alaforveterans.org/scholarships
Unit Scholarship Certification Form, 24-25 (pdf)
Download24-25 Dept Scholarship Cover (pdf)
Downloadcover ltr to schools re 2024-25 scholarships (pdf)
DownloadFlorence Lemcke Memorial Scholarship in Fine Arts, 24-25 (pdf)
DownloadMarguerite Mc'Alpin Memorial Scholarship App, 24-25 (pdf)
DownloadSusan Burdett Scholarship App, 24-25 (pdf)
DownloadDept Gift Scholarship App, 24-25 (pdf)
DownloadChildren of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship
It is important to acknowledge the sacrifices of our servicemembers who preserve our freedom, but that is not enough. The sacrifices of the children of those who served should also be honored. Providing funds to assist these children so they can pursue higher education is a concrete way of showing how much we, as a nation, care.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors the Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship to support the children of our warriors. These scholarships are awarded to 15 students annually who excel in academics and volunteer in their communities.
Scholarships Awarded
Three $5,000 scholarships are awarded annually per geographic division, for a total of 15 scholarships. These scholarships are for undergraduate study only at an accredited college or university, and may be used for tuition, books, fees, room, and board.
Scholarship Deadline: March 1 of each calendar year
Scholarship Rules
- Candidates for this award shall be direct descendants of veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during eligibility dates for membership in The American Legion: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; and any time after December 7, 1941. Membership in The American Legion Family is not required for this scholarship.
- Applicants must be in their senior year of high school.
- This is a scholarship to attend an accredited institution of higher education.
- Applicants must complete 50 hours of volunteer service within the community during their high school years. Hours must be verified in writing by the recipient organization(s).
- Completed applications are DUE ON OR BEFORE MARCH 1, 11:59 PM Eastern.
- Judging, at all levels, shall be on the following basis:
- 30% - Character/Leadership
- 30% - Essay/Application
- 40% - Academic Achievement
James H Parke Scholarship
What is the James H Parke Scholarship?
Each Veterans Affairs medical center may nominate one Veteran Affairs Volunteer Services (VAVS) Student Volunteer to be considered for this scholarship. The nominee must have completed 100 hours of regularly scheduled VAVS during a calendar year prior to September 1. The nominee must also be in the 10thgrade or above and have not reached their 19th birthday to be considered.
Member Loyalty Scholarship
American Legion Auxiliary Junior members are the future of our organization. To reward those who retain their membership into adulthood, the American Legion Auxiliary offers the Member Loyalty Scholarship to current college students.
American Legion Auxiliary Junior members are the future of our organization. To reward those who retain their membership into adulthood, the American Legion Auxiliary offers the Member Loyalty Scholarship to current college students. Ten scholarships, in the amount of $2,500 each, will be awarded to a current college student. Two scholarships will be awarded in each division of the American Legion Auxiliary. The scholarship is a grant; not a loan.
SCHOLARSHIP RULES
- Candidates for this award shall have been Junior members of the American Legion Auxiliary, held membership in the American Legion Auxiliary for the past three consecutive years and be a paid member for the current membership year. Applicant must continue their membership in the American Legion Auxiliary during the scholarship period.
- This scholarship is intended for the traditional college student with no interruption in education, who is at least in the first semester of college or technical school but not yet attained a bachelor’s degree. Any member who is a non-traditional student (a student returning to the classroom after some time away from college) is welcome to apply for the American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship.
- This is a scholarship to attend an accredited institution of higher education for the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must have completed at least one semester with grades that meet continuation requirements at the institution of their choice. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA using a 4.0 scale.
- Previous American Legion Auxiliary national scholarship recipients are welcome to apply.
- Judging, at all levels, shall be on the following basis:
- Leadership, Character, and ALA Participation (as presented in applicant’s essay) 50%
- Academic Achievement 25%
- Completed Application 25%
Samsung American Legion Scholarship
To show its appreciation for U.S. veterans who came to Korea's aid during its struggle against communist forces during the Korean War, worldwide electronics leader Samsung endowed a scholarship fund of $5 million in 1966. The American Legion administers the Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program, which is funded by the interest and other income from the endowment.
Scholarships Awarded
Every year, $300,000 in Samsung American Legion Scholarships are awarded to nearly 100 American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State participants. These scholarships are for undergraduate study only and may be used for tuition, books, fees, room, and board.
Scholarship Deadline: Typically, applications are submitted to the program staff upon the participants’ arrival at American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State.
Scholarship Criteria
- Applicants must be high school juniors who attend either American Legion Auxiliary Girls State or American Legion Boys State.
- Applicants must be direct descendants (i.e., child, grandchild, great-grandchild, or legally adopted child) of a U.S. wartime veteran who served on active duty during one or more of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for membership in The American Legion.
- Applicants with membership to the American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion will receive a bonus point. Or, they can receive a bonus point by uploading a membership card of a parent. No more than one bonus point for an application. Award amounts Award Amounts Samsung scholarships may be used for undergraduate studies and applied toward tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school and community service.
- Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War veterans will receive 3 bonus points.
- Scholarship winners are selected based on academic record, involvement in school and community activities, community service, and financial need.
Ten National Scholars receive $10,000 each (two from each region) Ten National Runners-Up receive $5,000 each (two from each region) Remaining Department Finalists receive $1,250 each guaranteed Deadline Scholarships are due no later than the first day of a participant’s American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. All applications must be submitted using the online application system by 11:59PM on this day. Applications will not be modified after the due date or given a deadline extension under any circumstance.
Participants should check their individual program coordinator as to whether or not the coordinator desires them to bring a hard copy of their submitted application materials. If a hard copy is required, participants will need to complete their application PRIOR to arrival at their respective program.
Please see on the National website https://www.alaforveterans.org under 'Scholarships' and 'American Legion Scholarships'.
The application is online.
Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
The Non-Traditional Student Scholarship helps people who are part of The Legion Family pursue a college degree later in life or allow them to pick up where they left off when their studies were interrupted.
Getting a job or staying competitive in today’s workplace involves showing employers you have the skills and experience to get the job done. In many cases, returning to college is a must. The American Legion Auxiliary's goal is to do all we can to make that happen, and that’s what the Non-Traditional Student Scholarship is all about. This scholarship helps people who are part of The Legion Family, veterans, and the spouses of active duty servicemembers or veterans pursue a college degree later in life or allow them to pick up where they left off when their studies were interrupted. If you’re at this place in life, this may be the right scholarship for you.
Scholarships Awarded
One $2,000 scholarship is awarded annually per Auxiliary geographic division. Applicant may be pursuing training in a certified, trade, professional, or technical program, or a two-year or four-year degree program.
Scholarship Deadline: March 1 of each calendar year
Scholarship Rules
- Applicants must be:
- A current member in good standing of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion, must have held membership for the two preceding years (2023 and 2024), and be a paid member for the current (2025) membership year, OR
- A veteran who served in the United States Armed Forces and was honorably discharged, OR
- The spouse of an active duty servicemember or a veteran who was honorably discharged.
- Applicants must be:
- a non-traditional student returning to the classroom after some period in which their formal education was interrupted, OR
- a non-traditional student beginning their education at a later point in life.
- Completed applications are DUE ON OR BEFORE MARCH 1, 11:59 PM Eastern.
- Judging, at all levels, shall be on the following basis:
- Academic Achievement 25%
- Financial Need 25%
- Character/Leadership 25%
- Initiative/Goals 25%
Samsung American Legion Scholarship - more info
The Samsung American Legion Scholarship online application process is now open. Use the link at the bottom of this page. Please read through the requirements of this page before applying.
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. As of 2023 the Samsung American Legion Scholarship has awarded more than $7.2 million in college scholarships to 2,422 recipients since its inception in 1996.
FAQ - Samsung American Legion Application(Opens in a new window)
Deadline
Scholarship applicants must complete and submit their online application prior to 11:59 (local time) of Day 1 of their respective American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. All applications must be submitted using the online application system and may not be modified after the due date or given a deadline extension under any circumstance.
Participants should check their individual program coordinator as to whether or not the coordinator desires them to bring a hard copy of their submitted application materials. If a hard copy is required, participants will need to complete their application PRIOR to arrival at their respective program.
Award Amounts
Samsung scholarships may be used for undergraduate studies and applied toward tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school and community service.
- Ten National Scholars receive $10,000 each (two from each region)
- Ten National Runners-Up receive $5,000 each (two from each region)
- Remaining Department Finalists receive $1,250 each guaranteed
Eligibility
Scholarship applications are limited to students between their junior and senior years of high school who attend the current session of either an American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program and are a direct descendant - i.e. child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. Stepchildren and legally adopted children are considered direct descendants of a wartime U.S. military veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for American Legion membership.
Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War Era Veterans will receive three bonus points.
Proof of Service Documentation
ACCEPTABLE
- Form DD214 (Official discharge certificate)
- Official “Honorable Discharge” certificate
- Form DD1300 (Official military death certificate)
- Official record of burial in a military cemetery issued by the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Current or former military ID card
- Current or former LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)
- Official logbook entries from a military unit
- ANY OTHER DOCUMENT LISTED ON THE “Military Service Verification Documents List” (Linked below)
UNACCEPTABLE
- Any otherwise “acceptable” document that is illegible
- Obituaries
- Pictures of military headstones
- Pictures of service members in uniform
- Entries in non-military and/or non-official records or books
- Membership cards from veterans organizations
- VA Healthcare Cards
- Selective Service Registration Card
For more information
- Scholarship Resources(Opens in a new window)
- Boys State Contacts and Websites(Opens in a new window)
- Girls State Contacts and Websites(Opens in a new window)
- FAQ - Samsung American Legion Application(Opens in a new window)
- Military Service Verification Documents List(Opens in a new window)
- 2023 Samsung American Legion Scholarship Annual Report(Opens in a new window)
The following locations may be of assistance for locating military documents.
- Many certificates of discharge prior to 1979 do not appear to be "official" documents as many were typed onto a sheet of paper. If you are unsure if it is an official document, please ask your American Legion service officer. Department Service Officers are listed by state at https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Find-a-Service-Officer(Opens in a new window).
- The National Archives and Records Administration: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/index.html(Opens in a new window)
- The County Clerk and Recorders Office where the veteran resided.
- The funeral home may have kept a copy if military honors were provided.
- Monument company if VA headstone or marker was ordered.
- If the veteran had utilized a VA Home Loan there may be a copy of the DD214 with the title documentation.
- Veterans who have signed up for EBENEFITS through the Veterans Administration may be able to obtain a printable copy from https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal(Opens in a new window)
- The State Director of Veterans Affairs may have received a copy of the veterans DD214 at the time of discharge from military service. This will be specific to the state in which the veterans home of record.
- The State Director of Veterans Affairs may have received a copy of the veterans DD214 at the time of discharge from military service. This will be specific to the state in which the veterans home of record.
- You should utilize your Boys State or Girls State point of contact. The point of contact information is listed in the delegate packet or can be found at https://www.legion.org/boysnation/websites. The VA are also qualified for verification of acceptable documents. Do not contact The American Legion National Headquarters in the Americanism Division as they are not qualified to verify legal documents.
CONTACT SCHOLARSHIPS for all other general questions not in the FAQ and not military document/verification related.
Spirit of Youth Scholarship
The Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund is an umbrella that supports three separate scholarship opportunities for participants in American Legion Auxiliary programs. One is for American Legion Auxiliary Junior members, another for the Junior Members of the Year, and one is for participants in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation program.
Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund
The Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund is an umbrella that supports three separate scholarship opportunities for participants in American Legion Auxiliary programs. One is for American Legion Auxiliary Junior members, another for the Junior Members of the Year, and one is for participants in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation program.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior members is March 1 of each year. Recipients are informed in late spring. The other two scholarships supported by this fund are awarded in conjunction with a national program.
Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior Members
State/Department: National Headquarters will award each state/department winner a $1,000 scholarship (47 scholarships total).
National: From the potential 52 state/department scholarship winners, the national Education Committee will select 5 winners (1 per division) for a $5,000 scholarship based on a scoring rubric.
SCHOLARSHIP RULES
- Candidates for this award shall be/shall have been Junior members of the American Legion Auxiliary, have held membership in the American Legion Auxiliary for the past three consecutive years, and must be a paid member for the current membership year. Applicant must continue their membership in the American Legion Auxiliary during the scholarship period.
- Applicants must be in their senior year of high school.
- This is a scholarship to attend an accredited institution of higher education. Applicants must be of good character and have grades that meet entrance requirements at the institution of their choice. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA using a 4.0 scale.
- Completed applications are DUE ON OR BEFORE MARCH 1, 2024, 11:59 PM Eastern.
- Judging, at all levels, shall be on the following basis:
- Character/Leadership 30%
- Essay/Application 30%
- Academic Achievement 40%
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