ALA Department of Texas Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary

Description
The American Legion Auxiliary in Texas operates as an independent, community-focused organization that works alongside American Legion veterans. It has developed its own identity and programs that extend beyond veteran affairs to support broader civic and educational goals. This scholarship program is one way the Auxiliary promotes education and the spirit of service across Texas communities.

- The Auxiliary supports veterans and the wider community through unit-based programs across Texas.
- Scholarships are part of the Auxiliary’s educational and civic mission.
- The program reflects the Auxiliary’s long-standing commitment to service in wartime and peacetime.

Eligibility
The scholarship is limited to Texas residents who are direct descendants of a veteran eligible for American Legion membership. Eligible relatives include parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents who served during specified service periods. Applicants must also meet specific student-status requirements depending on whether they are high school seniors or college students.

- Must be a resident of Texas.
- Must be a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a veteran who served: April 6, 1917–November 11, 1918 (WWI) or any time after December 12, 1941 (all wars/conflicts).
- High school applicants: senior in the 2025–2026 academic year.
- College applicants: full-time (minimum 12 credit hours per semester) and enrolled in consecutive semesters.

Selection Criteria
Recipients are chosen based on a combination of personal qualities, goals, financial need, academic record, and the veteran’s wartime service. The Education Committee and chair make the final decisions, using a weighted judging rubric to ensure consistent evaluation. The process prioritizes balanced consideration of leadership, initiative, need, and scholarship.

- Selection factors: goal, character, citizenship, need, objective, and the veteran’s war service.
- Final decisions vested in the Education Chairman and Committee.
- Judging weights: Character/Leadership 25%, Initiative/Goals 25%, Financial Need 25%, Scholarship 25%.

Application Requirements
All listed documents must be attached to the application; incomplete submissions will not be considered. The required materials include the official application form, a detailed resume, recommendation letters, and certified academic records. An optional recommendation from a local Auxiliary unit leader may be included for additional support.

- Official application form (available at alatexas.org/programs/education/).
- Completed application form (double-check all fields).
- Resume detailing qualifications, career goals, major and chosen college, sources of financial support not listed on the application, extracurricular activities, service hours, and honors/awards.
- Three letters of recommendation:
- From the principal or counselor of the graduating school, or the current college advisor/instructor.
- From a representative citizen attesting to character, Americanism, and scholarship.
- One additional letter of the applicant’s choice.
- Certified copy of high school grades for the last two years or a college transcript.
- Optional: recommendation from the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit President or Unit Education Chairman.

Submission & Timeline
Applications and all attachments must be emailed to the Department of Texas Education Committee Chair for review and judging. Submit by the start of May 2026 to be considered; applicants will receive email confirmation and a notification in June 2026 regarding award status. If awarded, students must meet enrollment conditions to receive funds.

- Submit the complete application package via email to linda.malsbary@yahoo.com by the start of May 2026.
- Confirmation of receipt will be sent by email; award notifications sent by email in June 2026.
- If awarded, the student must be enrolled in college no later than August 1, 2026.
- Scholarships are not available for the 2027–2028 academic year.
- If an awarded student decides not to attend the Fall semester after enrolling, the scholarship will be null and void.

Award Value & Payment
This is a gift scholarship program providing fixed awards to selected recipients. Each award is $500, and the Education Committee determines the number of awards based on submissions and available funds. Payments are made directly to the college or university the recipient will attend.

- Award amount: $500 (gift scholarship).
- Number of scholarships: determined by Education Chairman and Committee based on submissions received before the May deadline.
- Recipient checks will be mailed directly to the recipient’s college or university.