The American Legion Legacy Scholarship provides financial aid to eligible post-9/11 children of the fallen and disabled for higher learning.
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship is awarding over $1.7 million to 559 military children for higher learning, a record amount for both in its 23-year history. Americanism Commission Chairman Mark Avis announced this significant achievement to members of the National Executive Committee gathered at National Headquarters on May 7 for the annual Spring Meetings.
Eligible recipients of the scholarship are children of veterans who died on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, or children of post-9/11 veterans who have a combined Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating of 50 percent or higher. The needs-based scholarship supports the expense of graduate or post-graduate tuition, books, room and board, meal plans and other supplies. The grant amount each scholarship recipient receives is based on his or her financial need after all federal and state aid is exhausted. Legacy Scholarship recipients have a year to use the grant, and those eligible can reapply up to six times.
For the 2025 scholarship, 724 completed the application, with 559 demonstrating a financial need.
Past Legacy Scholarship recipient Colton Clay of Colorado Springs, Colo., said, “This scholarship is special because it helps honor my dad and his service and sacrifices that he’s made. It’s awesome that I’m able to represent him going forward through this scholarship. I want to say thank you to The American Legion. I really am appreciative of this opportunity and the support, and the belief that I can go on and do good things.”
Since its inception in 2002, The American Legion Legacy Scholarship has provided 1,331 military children of fallen and disabled post-9/11 veterans over $7 million in aid for higher learning. The 2026 American Legion Legacy Scholarship application will open Jan. 1, 2026. Learn more here.
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