(Photo: American Legion HQ)
The nomination period for the American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year Scholarship runs annually from November 1 to March 1.
The American Legion has a longstanding history of supporting the Boy Scouts of America, dating back to its first national convention in 1919. Legion posts nationwide sponsor over 2,500 Scouting units, leveraging the skills and experiences of Veterans to instill positive values in young people.
To apply for the 2024 American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year Scholarship, individuals can download the online application here.
Submissions can be sent to scouting@caLegion.org or mailed to the Department of California at 1601 7th Street, Sanger, CA 93657.
Eligible candidates for the Eagle Scout of the Year award must fulfill specific criteria. They should be active members of a Boy Scouts of America unit chartered to an American Legion post, Auxiliary unit, or Sons of The American Legion squadron. Alternatively, they can be affiliated with any chartered Boy Scouts of America unit while having a parent or grandparent who is an up-to-date member of The American Legion, Sons of The American Legion, or American Legion Auxiliary.
Nominees must have attained the rank of Eagle Scout, earned a Scouts BSA or Venturer Religious Emblem and demonstrated practical citizenship in school, church, community, and Scouting. The nominee must also be at least 15 years old and enrolled in high school.
Applications should be submitted through the Legion department where the Scout unit is chartered. Nomination packets must reach the department headquarters by March 1. Departments are required to select and certify their top nominee to The American Legion National Headquarters by April 1.
The recipient of the Eagle Scout of the Year award, along with three runners-up, will be announced in May. The winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship, while each runner-up will be awarded $2,500.
Scholarship recipients can use the award upon high school graduation and must do so within four years, except during active military duty or religious missions. Additionally, the Eagle Scout of the Year will have the opportunity to join the Youth Champion Delegation at the annual National Convention of The American Legion in August.
For inquiries or assistance regarding the application process, applicants can contact their respective American Legion department headquarters. Further details can also be obtained by contacting scouting@legion.org.
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.