Scholarships
The American Legion offers a number of scholarships and other resources to assist young people in their pursuit of higher education. Each year, the Legion facilitates the awarding of millions of dollars in scholarships to high school students. There are opportunities for everyone, including kin of wartime veterans and participants in Legion programs. The scholarship opportunities listed below represent just a few that the American Legion offers to qualified students. Click here for further information on what is available and how to qualify. Your other option is to contact your local Coeur d'Alene American Legion Post 14 directly at 208-699-6540.
Boys and Girls State Scholarships
American Legion Boys and Girls State are among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. These are interactive programs where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his or her 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.
Eagle Scout of the Year
The American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year will receive a $10,000 scholarship. Three (3) runner-up scholarship awards will be granted in the amount of $2,500 each.
Samsung American Legion Scholarship
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.
Legacy Scholarship
- Child/children or legally adopted child/children or the child of a spouse by prior marriage or dependent child as defined by the United States Armed Services of active duty United States military and National Guard and military reservists, who were federalized and died on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001
- Child/children or legally adopted child/children or the child of a spouse by prior marriage or dependent child as defined by the United States Armed Services of active duty United States military and National Guard and military reservists, who were federalized and received an injury while on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001 leading to a Department of Veteran Affairs disability rating of 50 percent or higher
Baseball Scholarship
The American Legion awards between $22,000 and $25,000 in scholarships to deserving baseball players each year. Each Department Baseball Committee may select a player from its department to receive this scholarship. The American Legion will award several scholarships each year depending on the number of applicants and interest earned from the trust fund.
National High School Oratorical Scholarship
The American Legion’s National Oratorical Contest challenges high school students to explore and understand the U.S. Constitution while developing confidence, leadership, and communication skills. Since 1938, the program has prepared young people for citizenship through critical thinking and public speaking, while producing notable alumni such as former Vice President Mike Pence, commentator Lou Dobbs, and presidential candidate Alan Keyes.
More than a scholarship competition, the contest is an inspiring experience that restores faith in the future of our democracy. Contestants gain a deeper appreciation for the Constitution and the responsibilities of American citizenship, while building integrity, advocacy skills, and respect for civic engagement. For many participants, it's not just about winning; it's about discovering their voice, strengthening their character, and carrying forward the legacy of American democracy.