NESA Scholarship: A Guide to Application Deadlines and Opportunities

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) offers scholarships to Eagle Scouts to help ease the financial burden of education and empower them to make a greater impact on the world. These scholarships recognize Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated active participation in school, Scouting, and community service, and who embody the principles of service and character.

Key Dates for the 2024-2025 NESA Scholarship Application

The NESA scholarship application portal opens on December 1, 2024, and remains open through January 31, 2025. During this period, eligible Eagle Scouts can access the application portal and submit their applications for consideration.

December 1, 2024: Application portal opens. A "Click here to apply" button will be available to direct applicants to the NESA scholarship portal.
January 31, 2025: Application portal closes. All applications must be submitted by this date.

How to Apply

The NESA scholarship application process is conducted entirely online through the NESA scholarship portal. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Access the NESA Scholarship Portal: On or after December 1, 2024, visit the NESA website and locate the "Click here to apply" button. This button will redirect you to the NESA scholarship portal. This is the only way applications will be accepted.
Create a Portal Account: If this is your first time visiting the portal, click "New applicant" to begin the scholarship application process. Other Scouting America IDs and passwords will not work; all new applicants must click “New applicant” to begin the process.
Complete the Application: Once your portal account is created, you can begin filling out the application. You do not need to complete the application all at once; you can come back and make updates.
Save Your Application Link: You will receive a link to access your application. Save this link to make any updates. Once you have created an application, do not use the “New applicant” button to access the portal. It will create a new application.

Troubleshooting

If you log into the portal and do not see your scholarship application, most likely you did not use the link to access it.

Eligibility Criteria

NESA scholarships are awarded to Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated the following:

Read also: Applying for NESA Scholarships

Active participation in school, Scouting activities, and community service.
A strong understanding of the fundamentals of service to community, service to Scouting, and their character.
Demonstration of financial need, highlighting what distinguishes their financial need from others.

NESA Membership Requirement

To be eligible to apply for NESA scholarships, you must be a NESA member. Please do not contact NESA to confirm membership.

Eagle Scouts who join NESA within six months of their board of review date will receive a 15% discount on a 5-year or Lifetime membership.

Types of NESA Scholarships

NESA offers a variety of scholarships with varying award amounts and eligibility criteria. Some of the scholarships include:

Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship: Multiple scholarships are awarded, including four-year scholarships of \$50,000 (up to \$12,500 per year) and \$30,000 (up to \$7,500 per year).
One-Year Scholarships: One-year scholarships are awarded to recipients from each Council Service Territory (CST), including the Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship (\$10,000), the Hansen & Mary Hall Scholarship (\$7,000), the National Eagle Scout Association Scholarship Endowment (\$6,000), and the Lester S. (\$3,500) Scholarship.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to NESA scholarships, Eagle Scouts may also be eligible for financial assistance from other groups, including:

Cascade Pacific Council Eagle Scout Scholarship
Educational institutions
Community and religious organizations
Royden M. Bodley Scholarship: A local scholarship available for Eagle Scouts from Cascade Pacific Council who attend an institution of higher education in Oregon and pursue an education in forestry, wildlife conservation, environmental science, or similar fields.
Eagle Scout Project of the Year Award: Offered by the National Eagle Scout Association.

The Value of Scouting and NESA

Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is a significant accomplishment that provides a solid foundation for future success. NESA provides a valuable network for Eagle Scouts.

By joining NESA, you gain access to a network of like-minded individuals who understand and value the importance of Scouting.
Leverage NESA’s wealth of expertise through our free New Eagle Checklist, curated by our members.
Stuck for a way to thank your Scoutmaster or troop leaders? Look no further than our NESA Gift Guide!

NESA scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also open doors to opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible. As NESA vice president of finance and scholarships, David Ehrlich, says, "NESA scholarships aim to ease some of the financial burden of education and provide a platform for you to amplify your impact on the world."

Inspiring Stories

NESA scholarships have had a transformative impact on the lives of many Eagle Scouts. Here are a few examples:

Kamen: Drawn to UNC Charlotte because of its acclaimed business honors program, Kamen says, “I would not have been able to attend an out-of-state college. I’m able to be a part of the business honors program, and I have the option to study abroad." Kamen wants to pursue a career in fundraising after college.
One recipient says, “I’m incredibly grateful for the NESA scholarship and the doors it has opened for me.
Another recipient says, “This scholarship has improved my college experience to a great degree.
One recipient has become very interested in the intersection of where medicine, engineered technology and public health policy meet.
Another recipient says, “Scouting is a great program, and I would recommend it to everyone.
One recipient says, “Being an Eagle Scout is only the beginning of your journey.
One recipient says, “My dream would be to work for a company that provides products for outdoor adventures. I would like to make an impact in improving existing products or developing new products.

Supporting the NESA Scholarship Fund

The NESA Scholarship Program is made possible by the generosity of donors. The first NESA scholarships were made possible by a \$1 million gift from former Texas Governor William Clements, Jr.

Consider contributing to the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Scholarship Fund to help support future generations of Eagle Scouts.

Read also: Crafting Perfect Thank You Notes

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