The Samsung Group, an international electronics company, has endowed a scholarship fund of five million dollars to be administered by The American Legion. The size and number of scholarships awarded is dependent upon the amount of income derived from the fund.
Eligibility - Student must be a high school junior and a direct descendant, i.e. child, grandchild, great-grandchild or a legally adopted child of a U.S. veteran who served during a period of war. Student must participate in and complete either an American Legion Boys' State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. (NOTE - A step child is not eligible.)
Periods of war are defined by the following dates inclusive:
- W.W.I - April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918
- W.W. II - December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946
- Korean War - June 25, 1950 - January 31, 1955
- Vietnam War - February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975
- Lebanon/Grenada - August 24, 1982 - July 31, 1984
- Panama - December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990
- Persian Gulf War - august 2, 1990 - Until Cessation of Hostilities.
A copy of the qualifying service DD-214 is required.
Winners must attend an accredited US college or university. The scholarship is for undergraduate study only and may be used for: tuition, books, fees, and room and board.
The selection of the scholarship winners is based , in part, on the following criteria:
- Academic record
- Involvement in school activities
- Involvement in community activities
- Financial need
- Descendent of a Korean War Veteran
Applications are distributed to the participants in the Boys State and Girls State programs. Each American Legion Boys' State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program selects one application to forward to Legion National Headquarters. These applications become "National Finalists" and are reviewed by the National Selection Committee each fall.
Each "National Finalist" from the American Legion Boys' State programs, Auxiliary Girls State programs and Department will receive a $1,000 scholarship if he/she is not selected as a National scholarship winner.
Applications are due upon arrival.
