Scholarships
For Complete list click on above SCHOLARSHIPS link
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. AGAIN, click on the "Scholarships" link above for details on all scholarships and read below about scholarships the Department of Missouri supports.
Boys State Scholarship
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his 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.
MISSOURI ORATORICAL CONTEST
THE AMERICAN LEGION, Department of Missouri, during each school year, sponsors an Oratorical Contest for high school students in Missouri. The purpose of the contest is to develop knowledge and appreciation of the United States Constitution, the ability to think and speak clearly and critically, and the acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The contest meets guidelines of the Missouri State High School Activities Association, and appears in the Advisory List of Contests and Activities, of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The Legion contest is a partner with the National Speech & Debate Association, the honor society for high-school students (formerly the National Forensic League). This contest can lead to a National Scholarship. Read about the Missouri State Oratorical Contest at www.missourilegion.org/oratorical.htm. .
STANLEY JOHNSON NURSING / HEALTH SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP
The Stanley Johnson Nursing / Health Science Scholarship is awarded to the student who continues his/her higher education pursuing a degree in nursing/medical or health science fields.
Stanley Johnson came to the United States from England at the age of 15. He worked for many years at the U.S. Challenge Company in Batavia, Illinois and later at Burgess-Norton in Geneva, Illinois. Stanley Johnson so loved this country that he joined the United States Armed Forces in World War I.
After being honorably discharged Stanley married Hattie Swan and together they worked tirelessly for the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. Stanley served 52 years as Treasurer American Legion Post 504.
This scholarship was established by the Johnson's in honor of his niece, Jean Johnson, who was a British nurse. Because of the importance of encouraging our youth to become future doctors, nurses or other health related professionals American Legion Post ___ has continued awarding this scholarship to date.
JIM LANTZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND (Sons of The American Legion)
This scholarship provides education scholarships for graduating high school seniors. Details are as follows: The Jim Lantz Memorial Scholarship will be paid to Graduating High School Seniors, who graduate in the Spring of 2025, and who enroll in approved college, university or trade school for the Fall, 2025 semester. Students may apply for a $500 scholarship, and if their application is accepted, they will receive a notice by June 30, 2025 along with a check payable to the individual. The application process follows:
1. Submit a completed application (form provided HERE)
2. Submit a paper with your answer to the question "What does Americanism Mean to Me." The paper shall be 12-point font, single space, normal margins, and shall not exceed one page.
3. Applicants must document 10 hours of volunteer work to be completed between the dates of January 1 to May 24, 2025. Priority will be given to work at American Legion Posts or any veteran associated organization.
4. The application and paper must be received on or before May 24, 2025 at SALScholarship@aol.com.
5. Priority of eligible applicants - Daughers (granddaughters), Sons (grandsons) of (1) SAL Members (2) Post 208 Members (3) Post 208 Auxiliary Members (4) Participants in the Jim Lantz Memorial Fishing Tournament.