Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Offered by Elks National Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Elks National Foundation's Most Valuable Student competition awards 500 four-year scholarships each cycle — $2.52 million in total. The top 20 winners receive $30,000 over four years ($7,500 per year), and the other 480 runners-up receive $4,000 over four years ($1,000 per year). Awards are conditional on full-time enrollment at an accredited U.S. institution.
Applicants are judged on three factors: scholarship, leadership, and financial need. Any current high school senior who is a U.S. citizen can apply — no Elks family connection is required — and winners must enroll full-time (at least 12 semester hours) in a four-year degree program. Male and female students compete separately for the awards.
The current application opens August 1, 2026, with a November 12 deadline. Winners are announced in April 2027, and the top 20 finalists are required to attend the Elks' Leadership Weekend (April 29 to May 2, 2027), where the final award tiers are determined. With 500 awards on the table and no membership requirement, it's one of the widest-reaching four-year scholarships a senior can apply for.
Eligibility
- Current high school senior who is a U.S. citizen
- Planning to pursue a four-year degree full-time at a U.S. college
- Elks membership is NOT required
How To Apply
- Complete the online application through the Elks National Foundation portal
- Applications are judged first at the local Lodge level, then advance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my family need to belong to the Elks?
No. Any eligible high school senior may apply; membership is not considered.