Legion Legacy Scholarship awards $671,892 in student aid

Since its inception following the 9/11 attacks, The American Legion Legacy Scholarship has been available for children whose parents lost their lives while honorably serving on active duty on or after 9/11. During the 2016 American Legion Spring Meetings last May, the National Executive Committee ensured that more children of veterans would have access to higher education with the passage of Resolution 1, which expanded the Legacy Scholarship’s eligibility and aid. The resolution allows children of post-9/11 veterans with a VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher to apply for the renewable scholarship, which awards up to $20,000 in aid.

The American Legion's Americanism Commission announced May 10 during the organization's Spring Meetings that the Legacy Scholarship awarded $671,892 in financial aid to 55 children of the fallen and disabled.

The renewable scholarship is for the expense of graduate or post-graduate tuition, books, room and board, meal plans, transportation and other supplies needed to achieve a higher education.

The Legacy Scholarship is a needs-based one. The grant amount each scholarship recipient receives is be based on his or her financial need after all federal and state aid is exhausted. Recipients will have a year to use the grant and may reapply to the scholarship up to six times. And the number of scholarships awarded and the amount of financial aid granted to each awardee (this includes returning applicants) will be determined on donations to the scholarship fund and one's financial needs.

For more information about the Legacy Scholarship or to make a donation to the Legacy Scholarship Fund, visit www.legion.org/scholarships/legacy.