2024-2025 Scholarships

Applicant must be a woman who has served or is serving honorably in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard or the lineal descendant of a woman who has served or is serving honorably in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard. If there is any evidence that the applicant or the applicant’s ancestor did not serve honorably, the application will not be considered. Eligibility requirements are non-negotiable, and appropriate evidence of Army service must be provided (e.g. DD214, discharge papers, letter from commander, etc.)

The American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year nomination window is from November 1st to March 1st, annually. Nomination packets must be received by each applicant's respective American Legion Department (state) no later than March 1st. Then each respective American Legion Department (state) Selection Committee will determine the Eagle Scout judged to be the best in their Department (state). The Department (state) will then send that packet, along with a list of the members serving on that Selection Committee, to The American Legion National Headquarters no later than April 1st.

High school seniors in the United States are eligible to apply for this scholarship if they (1) have demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare through volunteer work and/or advocacy and (2) intend to pursue a career that will seek to reduce animal suffering and protect vulnerable species. Applicants will be required to submit two letters of recommendation from individuals (not family members) who can speak to the applicant’s education record and commitment to animal welfare. One letter of recommendation should be from someone working at the applicant’s school who can speak to the applicant’s abilities as a student, and the other from someone involved with or directly aware of efforts by the student to help protect animals. If selected as a finalist, the applicant will be required to supply confirmation of acceptance to a college or university prior to scholarship distribution.

The contest is open to writers in grades 5-12, (ages 10-18) at some point during the contest period September 5, 2024-March 21, 2025. No more than one essay submission will be accepted for each essay writer. Students may enter both the essay and video contests. Writers must be located in North America, Hawaii, or a U.S. military address, and all submissions should be in English. Employees of Stossel in the Classroom, Stossel TV, and Center for Independent Thought, or any person or organization involved in the operation and/or setup of the contest, and their immediate family members are not eligible for this contest. Previous winners of a Stossel in the Classroom first place prize are not eligible for prizes in our subsequent contests, unless they’re competing in a different division. For example, first place winners of the Middle School Division are eligible for prizes in the High School Division, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.