Over $705,000 in scholarships awarded to military children

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship for 2022 is awarding $705,937 in financial aid to 71 children of post-9/11 veterans.

The 2022 Legacy Scholarship application deadline was April 1, and the awardees were determined by the Americanism Commission during The American Legion’s annual Spring Meetings, May 2-5. Since the Legacy Scholarship's first grant in 2004, more than 500 military children of the fallen and disabled have received over $3.5 million in aid for higher learning.

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship recipients met the scholarship's eligibility requirements, which is for 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 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.

The number of scholarships awarded and the amount of financial aid granted to each awardee (this includes returning applicants) is determined on donations to the scholarship fund and one's financial needs. Legacy Scholarship recipients have a year to use the grant and those eligible can reapply up to six times.

The American Legion Riders have been the most dedicated fundraiser and supporter of the Legacy Scholarship through their annual Legacy Run, having raised more than $12 million. For more information about the Legacy Scholarship or to make a donation to the Legacy Scholarship Fund, visit legion.org/scholarships/legacy.