Unlocking Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to the Samsung American Legion Scholarship
The American Legion, in coordination with the Samsung Corporation, offers a suite of scholarships aimed at supporting the academic aspirations of young leaders and military-connected families. Among these, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship stands out as a significant opportunity for students who have participated in American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State programs. This article provides a detailed overview of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, selection criteria, and other related scholarships offered by the American Legion.
The Genesis of the Scholarship
In 1996, Samsung, a worldwide leader in electronics, demonstrated its commitment to education and honoring veterans by endowing a $5 million scholarship fund to be administered by The American Legion. This endowment was established to recognize and support students who have shown leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities. It is also a tribute to the veterans who came to the aid of Korea during its struggle against communist forces during the Korean War.
Eligibility Criteria for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship
The Samsung American Legion Scholarship has specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet to be considered. The 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. Applicants must also be a direct descendant (i.e., child, grandchild, great-grandchild, etc.) of a wartime veteran who served on active duty during one or more of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for membership in The American Legion.
Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship is comprehensive and requires careful attention to detail. It's important to start early to ensure all requirements are met.
Online Submission
Applications are submitted online to National Headquarters. No further action from applicants is needed. The Samsung American Legion Scholarship online application process is now open. Once on Legion.org you will need to create an account to apply.
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Deadline
Scholarships are due no later than the first day of a participant’s American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. All applications must be submitted using the online application system by 11:59 PM on this day. Applications will not be modified after the due date or given a deadline extension under any circumstance. Participants should check their individual program coordinator as to whether or not the coordinator desires them to bring a hard copy of their submitted application materials. If a hard copy is required, participants will need to complete their application PRIOR to arrival at their respective program.
The application is substantive and takes time to complete, so interested applicants are encouraged to begin the process as soon as possible.
Required Documentation
The application package includes two essays and requires that all academic, volunteer, and work activities be validated by an appropriate school or other appropriate representative. This means it will take some extra time to complete the package, and an early start is recommended. To compete in the ALA VGS-level competition, you are not required to provide the Form DD 214, which documents proof of qualifying military service.
Bonus Points
Applicants with membership to the American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion will receive a bonus point. Or, they can receive a bonus point by uploading a membership card of a parent. No more than one bonus point for an application. Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War veterans will receive 3 bonus points.
Selection Criteria: What Makes an Application Stand Out?
The Samsung scholarship is very competitive. Each year approximately 200 VGS citizens apply for the Samsung Scholarship. Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school and community service. Those selected to represent ALA VGS generally have a GPA of above 3.50, are within the top percentage of their class, and score in the high 20s or better on the ACT (or earn an equivalent SAT score). We encourage you to type your application so it shows you put time and thought into it. Your responses should be interesting, sincere, and succinct.
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Key Factors
Scholarship winners are selected based on academic record, involvement in school and community activities, community service, and financial need.
Judging Process
Scholarship entries are distributed to the department (state) in which the applicant resides for the first round of judging. If the entry is selected by the state, then the entry is judged and certified one last time at the division level. There will be one winner in each of the 5 divisions. These entries are certified winners and receive the scholarship.
Evaluation Metrics
The evaluation of scholarship entries is based on the following criteria:
- Character/Leadership: 25%
- Initiative/Goals: 25%
- Financial Need: 25%
- Academic Achievement: 25%
Scholarship Award Details and Usage
Every year, $300,000 in Samsung American Legion Scholarships are awarded to nearly 100 American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State participants.
Award Amounts
The Samsung scholarships may be used for undergraduate studies and applied toward tuition, books, fees, and room and board.
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- Ten National Scholars receive $10,000 each (two from each region)
- Ten National Runners-Up receive $5,000 each (two from each region)
- Remaining Department Finalists receive $1,250 each guaranteed
The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State (ALA VGS) citizen selected receives a $1,000 scholarship.
Scholarship Disbursement
Funds will then be released in the form of a check to the school. The check is paid to the school for tuition and/or room and board. In some circumstances, a special exception may be made. For example, for a student in the Air Force Academy, which has no tuition or room and board, the check was sent to the US Treasury on the student’s behalf to offset expenses (books, uniforms, etc.)
Scholarship Usage Timeline
ALA NHQ must receive the Scholarship Certification Form within 12 months of notification (date on the winner’s letter). The scholarship money must be used within 24 months of the winner receiving notification.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities Offered by the American Legion
The American Legion offers a variety of college and vocational or trade school scholarships that support academic achievement, leadership, and military-connected families. These programs help eligible students nationwide to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.
Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
The American Legion also provides the Non-Traditional Student Scholarship. The check is paid to the school for tuition and/or room and board. In some circumstances, a special exception may be made. For example, for a student in the Air Force Academy, which has no tuition or room and board, the check was sent to the US Treasury on the student’s behalf to offset expenses (books, uniforms, etc.). The Non-Traditional Student Scholarship is paid in one lump sum, payable after NHQ receives the completed Scholarship Certification Form.
Eligibility
SOY scholarship winners are not eligible to receive this scholarship.
Requirements
There is no volunteer service required. The FAFSA is no longer required.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online to National Headquarters. No further action from applicants is needed.
Judging
Scholarship entries are distributed to the department (state) in which the applicant resides for the first round of judging. If the entry is selected by the state, then the entry is judged and certified one last time at the division level. There will be one winner in each of the 5 divisions. These entries are certified winners and receive the scholarship.
Criteria
- Character/Leadership 25%
- Initiative/Goals 25%
- Financial Need 25%
- Academic Achievement 25%
Award Amount
$2,000 - one per division - for a total of $10,000 annually.
Scholarship Usage Timeline
ALA NHQ must receive the Scholarship Certification Form within 12 months of notification (date on the winner’s letter). The scholarship money must be used within 24 months of the winner receiving notification. A Scholarship Certification Form will be enclosed with the winner’s notification form, which must be completed by the student and their school’s registrar (or an equivalent position if no registrar is available). Once completed, the Scholarship Certification Form should be returned to the Education Program Coordinator at NHQ.
Renewable?
The Non-Traditional Student Scholarship is not renewable, since one of the requirements is the applicant be returning to or starting school after a period of time.
Legacy Scholarship
From the Samsung American Legion Scholarship for Boys State and Girls State participants to the needs-based Legacy Scholarship for children of post-9/11 fallen service members or disabled veterans, The American Legion invests in future leaders.
Other Scholarships
Other awards include scholarships for Legion Baseball players, National Oratorical Contest finalists, Eagle Scouts, Junior Shooting Sports champions, and ANAVICUS scholars. Each program reflects The American Legion’s commitment to youth, education, and citizenship.
Success Stories: Inspiring Examples
In 2016, Ryan Zuzulock [Johnson City #16] of West Deptford (Gloucester County), Post #100 submitted a Samsung Scholarship application and won $20,000 for his college education! This story, featured on Legion.org, serves as an inspiration and a testament to the potential rewards of participating in Jersey Boys State and applying for the Samsung Scholarship.
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