The Samsung American Legion Scholarship online application process is now open. Use the link at the bottom of this page. Please read through the requirements of this page before applying.
About
Worldwide electronics leader Samsung endowed a scholarship fund of $5 million to be administered by The American Legion in 1996. Meant to show appreciation for U.S. veterans who came to Korea's aid during its struggle against communist forces in the Korean War, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program established a series of scholarships derived from interest and other income from the principal amount.
As of 2025 the Samsung American Legion Scholarship has awarded more than $7.6 million in college scholarships to 2,618 recipients since its inception in 1996.
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Who Can Apply?
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 and are a direct descendant - i.e. child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. Stepchildren and legally adopted children are considered direct descendants of a wartime U.S. military veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for American Legion membership.
Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War Era Veterans will receive three bonus points.
Award Amounts
Samsung scholarships may be used for undergraduate studies and applied toward tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school and community service.
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
Proof of Service Documentation
ACCEPTED DOCUMENTS:
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)
For all other general questions not in the FAQ and not military document/verification related, please Contact Scholarships.
Deadline
Scholarship applicants must complete and submit their online application prior to 11:59 PM (local time) of Day 1 of their respective American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. All applications must be submitted using the online application system and may 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.
