Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by American Legion Auxiliary
About This Scholarship
The American Legion Auxiliary's Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship awards fifteen $5,000 scholarships each year — three in each of the ALA's five geographic divisions — to high school seniors who are direct descendants of wartime veterans. No American Legion Family membership is required; eligibility flows from a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent's honorable service during World War I or any time after December 7, 1941.
The program rewards students who pair academics with service: applicants must document at least 50 verified volunteer hours completed during high school. The application also includes an essay reflecting on lessons learned from the family's military service and how the applicant plans to honor that legacy — the Auxiliary explicitly disqualifies AI-generated essays.
Applications for all ALA national scholarships open each September and close March 1 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, with no extensions. Supporting documents include the veteran's discharge papers, transcripts, volunteer verification, and two recommendation letters.
Eligibility
- High school senior planning to attend an accredited institution
- Direct descendant (child, grandchild, or great-grandchild) of a veteran who served April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918, or any time after December 7, 1941
- 50 verified volunteer hours completed during high school
- No American Legion Family membership required
How To Apply
- Complete the online Formstack application on the ALA website once the cycle opens in September
- Attach the veteran's discharge papers or service orders, high school transcript, volunteer-hour verification, and two letters of recommendation
- Submit the original essay and full packet by March 1 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my family need to belong to the American Legion Auxiliary?
No. Membership is not required. You qualify through direct descent from a veteran who served during an eligible wartime period.
How are the 15 winners distributed?
Three scholarships are awarded in each of the American Legion Auxiliary's five divisions, so students compete regionally rather than against the entire national pool.