World wide electronic giant Samsung in 1996 endowed a scholarship fund of $5,000,000. This fund is to be administered by the American Legion.
The Samsung scholarship fund started as a means to show appreciation to the US veteran that came to the aid of Korean’s during their struggle against communist forces in the Korean war.
Since its inception in 1996, the Samsung scholarship has awarded more than $6.5 million in college scholarships to 2,266 applicants.
Every year nearly 100 American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State participants are awarded scholarships worth about $300,000.
These scholarships are for undergraduate study only and may be used for tuition, books, fees, room, and board.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be high school juniors who attend either American Legion Auxiliary Girls State or American Legion Boys State.
- Applicants must be a direct descendant of a U.S. 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.
- Applicants with membership to the American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion will receive a bonus point
- Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War veterans will receive 3 bonus points.
Proof of Service Documentation(acceptable)
- Form DD214 (Official discharge certificate)
- Official “Honorable Discharge” certificate
- Form DD1300 (Official military death certificate)
- Official record of burial in a military cemetery issued by the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Current or former military ID card
- Current or former LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)
- Official logbook entries from a military unit.
Scholarship Amount
Samsung scholarships recipient are to use the award for undergraduate studies towards tuition, books, and other fees.
Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school, and community service.
Ten(10) National Scholars receive $10,000 each (two from each region)
Ten(10) National Runners-Up receive $5,000 each (two from each region)
Remaining Department Finalists receive $1,250 each.
Typically, applications are submitted to the program staff upon the participants’ arrival at American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State.
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, applicants are to confirm from their individual program coordinator to know if there is a need for a hard copy to be submitted.
If a hard copy is required, participants will need to complete their application prior to arrival at their respective program.
Click here to submit an application
