he American Legion offers a variety of college and vocational or trade school scholarships that support academic achievement, leadership, and military-connected families. These programs help eligible students nationwide to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.

From the Samsung American Legion Scholarship for Boys State and Girls State participants to the needs-based Legacy Scholarship for children of post-9/11 fallen service members or disabled veterans, The American Legion invests in future leaders. Other awards include scholarships for Legion Baseball players, National Oratorical Contest finalists, Eagle Scouts, Junior Shooting Sports champions and ANAVICUS scholars.

Each program reflects The American Legion’s commitment to youth, education, and citizenship. Explore the links below for eligibility requirements, deadlines and application details.

Samsung American Legion 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. 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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SAMSUNG AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIP

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.

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship 

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship designed to fulfill a financial gap remaining after all federal and state educational grants/scholarships available to an eligible applicant have been utilized. The 2025-26 tuition is capped at $28,937.09 which is the maximum amount the VA will pay out per academic year

For more information The American Legion Legacy Scholarship

 

 

Other Scholarship Oppotunities 

ANAVICUS (Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada United States) is a unit of ANAVETS – the Canadian veterans organization founded in 1840. The United States charter was presented in 1953 during The American Legion's national convention in St. Louis where the first ANAVICUS meeting was held. There are 1,200 members in ANAVICUS, and all are American Legion past national commanders and other distinguished Legionnaires. ANAVICUS membership is by invitation only, and new members are inducted twice a year at national convention and the Washington Conference.

In 1982, the ANAVICUS executive committee voted to establish and fund a memorial to Past National Commander Harry W. Colmery, who authored the original GI Bill. The memorial is located at American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis. ANAVICUS also presents nine scholarships a year that are in memory of a distinguished ANAVICUS member.

For more information: Scholarships available through ANAVICUS