Reese Reiling, a recipient of The American Legion Legacy Scholarship, currently enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Boston (Photo: American Legion HQ).
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship for 2024 is currently accepting applications online, with a deadline set for March 27. Designed to support the educational aspirations of children whose parents lost their lives while serving honorably on Active Military Duty Post-9/11, or are Post-9/11 Veterans with a VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher, this scholarship has been a vital source of financial aid for hundreds of Military and Veteran children.
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship operates on a needs-based system, considering the financial need of each applicant after exhausting all federal and state aid. Eligible recipients are granted a year to use the funds and can reapply for the scholarship up to six times. The number of scholarships awarded and the amount of aid given depend on the donations to the scholarship fund and the financial needs of the applicants.
To apply for the 2024 Legion Legacy Scholarship, click here.
Since 2004, the Legacy Scholarship has provided over $6.2 million to 825 recipients, offering assistance for higher learning expenses such as tuition, books, room and board, meal plans, and other necessary supplies.
Recipients have expressed gratitude for the significant impact the scholarship has had on their lives.
One medical student shared, “Receiving this scholarship over the course of my medical school career has truly been a life-changing opportunity for me. This scholarship helped me alleviate the financial stress that comes with the rigorous training required to become a doctor.”
Another recipient expressed thanks for the privilege of receiving the scholarship, stating, “Your help will allow me to pursue my dreams of becoming an officer of the CIA, and for that, I am extremely grateful.”
Eligibility requirements differ for children of Fallen Post-9/11 Service Members and children of Post-9/11 Veterans with a VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher. Required application materials include military death certificates, official disability rating paperwork from the VA, FAFSA summaries, award notifications from Veteran benefit programs, financial aid package notifications, and a breakdown of education-related expenses.
All applications, whether new or renewal, must be submitted through the online scholarship submission system by March 27. The selection of the 2024 American Legion Legacy Scholarship recipients will be carried out by The American Legion’s Committee on Youth Education during the organization’s annual Spring Meetings in May. Successful applicants will be notified of their scholarship award between May 10 and May 20, via the email provided in the application.
For further information about eligibility, required materials, and to access the online scholarship submission system, interested applicants can visit The American Legion website. Answers to common questions about the Legacy Scholarship are available here.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.