8 great scholarships for Eagle Scouts
These days, higher education comes with a higher price tag. These scholarships for Eagle Scouts, sorted chronologically by deadline, will help take out some of the sting.
If you know of a scholarship not listed here, please share the name and link in the comments.
National Jewish Committee on Scouting scholarships
How much: Ranging from $500 to $4,000
Who’s eligible: Active Eagle Scouts who have earned the Ner Tamid or Etz Chaim religious emblem and are active in their synagogue. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Deadline: Jan. 31
What’s required: Application listing school and Scouting record.
Link: National Jewish Committee on Scouting scholarships
Questions: Email [email protected]
American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year
How much: $10,000 for the winner and $2,500 apiece for three runners-up
Who’s eligible: Eagle Scouts who are at least 15 and registered, active members of a Boy Scout Troop, Varsity Scout Team, or Venturing Crew chartered to an American Legion post, American Legion Auxiliary unit or Sons of The American Legion squadron — or Eagle Scouts who are registered, active members of a chartered Boy Scout Troop, Varsity Scout Team, or Venturing Crew, and the son or grandson of a Legionnaire, Sons of The American Legion or Auxiliary member,
Deadline: March 1
What’s required: Application, photograph, school participation record, Scouting record, community service record, religious award record and four letters of recommendation.
Link: American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year
Questions: Email [email protected]
Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship for Catholic Scouts
How much: Six scholarships at $2,000 apiece
Who’s eligible: Catholic high school seniors who are Scouts or Venturers in any BSA program. Applicants must have earned the Eagle Scout Award, Silver Award, Summit Award or Quartermaster Award.
Deadline: March 1
What’s required: Photo and application listing service to Scouting, church and the community
Link: National Catholic Committee on Scouting scholarship
Questions: Email [email protected]
Veterans of Foreign Wars Scout of the Year
How much: $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place
Who’s eligible: Young people who are are least 15 and registered, active members of a Boy or Girl Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or a Sea Scout Ship who have received the Eagle Scout Award, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venturing Summit Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award.
Deadline: March 1
What’s required: Application, photograph, school participation record, Scouting record, community service record and three letters of recommendation.
Link: VFW Scout of the Year
Questions: Email [email protected]
Mervyn Sluizer Jr. Scholarship for Philadelphia-area Scouts
How much: Two scholarships at $1,000 apiece
Who’s eligible: Eagle Scouts who have been active in BSA at least five years and live in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Deadline: April 16
What’s required: Application, essay, school transcript and two letters of recommendation.
Link: Mervyn Sluizer Jr. Scholarship
Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting scholarships
How much: $1,000 for first place and $500 for runner-up
Who’s eligible: Eagle Scouts who are active in an Eastern Orthodox Church and have received the Alpha Omega Religious Scout Award.
Deadline: May 1
What’s required: Application and four letters of recommendation.
Link: Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting scholarships.
Questions: Call 516-868-4050
National Eagle Scout Association scholarships
How much: At least 150 scholarships available, ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 per recipient
Who’s eligible:National Eagle Scout Association members. (Note: Eagle Scouts can apply for a NESA scholarship before you apply for a NESA membership.)
Deadline: Oct. 31
What’s required: Application (though one scholarship requires a reference letter).
Link: NESA scholarships
Questions: Email [email protected]
Arthur M. and Berdena King Eagle Scout Award
Presented by the Sons of the American Revolution
How much: $10,000 for first place, $6,000 for second place and $4,000 for third place
Who’s eligible: All Eagle Scouts under 19 years old
Deadline: Varies by chapter. Find your state’s SAR society contact here.
What’s required: Application listing Scouting and school achievements and an essay about the Revolutionary War.
Link: Sons of the American Revolution scholarship
Questions: Email your state’s contact person here.
Institution-specific scholarships
There are a number of scholarships for Scouts attending specific institutions of higher learning.
Find a nice list here and always check with your college or university to see whether they recognize Eagle Scouts in this way.
Council-specific scholarships
Check your council’s website — or give them a call or email — to see whether there are scholarship opportunities exclusive to Scouts in your council.