The Samsung American Legion Scholarship is your gateway to a brighter academic future, and we’re thrilled to inform you that the online application process is now open. Before you embark on this scholarship journey, please review the requirements provided below to ensure a smooth and successful application.
A Legacy of Support
In 1996, Samsung, a global electronics leader, established a scholarship fund of $5 million to be administered by The American Legion. This scholarship fund serves as a tribute to the U.S. veterans who came to Korea’s aid during the Korean War, fighting against communist forces. The Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program has since evolved to offer a series of scholarships, utilizing interest and income from the principal amount.
As of 2023, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship has been instrumental in awarding over $6.5 million in college scholarships to over 2,266 deserving applicants since its inception in 1996.
Important Deadlines
All scholarship applicants must complete and submit their online application before 11:59 (local time) on Day 1 of their respective American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. It’s crucial to understand that applications can only be submitted through the online application system and cannot be altered or extended beyond the due date under any circumstances.
If your program coordinator requests a hard copy of the submitted application materials, please complete your application BEFORE arriving at your program.
Scholarship Awards
The Samsung scholarships are designed to support undergraduate studies and can be applied to cover tuition, books, fees, room, and board. Scholarship recipients are selected based on their academic records and their active involvement in school and community service. Here’s the breakdown of the scholarship awards:
- Ten National Scholars receive $10,000 each (two from each region)
- Ten National Runners-Up receive $5,000 each (two from each region)
- Remaining Department Finalists receive $1,250 each, guaranteed
Eligibility Criteria
Scholarship applications are open to students who are currently between their junior and senior years of high school, and they must have attended the most recent session of either an American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. Additionally, applicants must be direct descendants (e.g., child, grandchild, great-grandchild) or legally adopted children of a wartime U.S. military veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the officially designated eligibility periods for American Legion membership.
Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War Era Veterans will receive three bonus points to enhance their eligibility.
Proof of Service Documentation
It’s important to provide proper documentation to establish eligibility. Acceptable proof of service documentation includes:
- Form DD214 (Official discharge certificate)
- Official “Honorable Discharge” certificate
- Form DD1300 (Official military death certificate)
- Official record of burial in a military cemetery issued by the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Current or former military ID card
- Current or former LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)
- Official logbook entries from a military unit
- Any other document listed on the “Military Service Verification Documents List”
Unacceptable documentation includes illegible documents, obituaries, pictures of military headstones, pictures of service members in uniform, entries in non-military and non-official records or books, membership cards from veterans organizations, VA Healthcare Cards, and Selective Service Registration Cards.
This scholarship is a remarkable opportunity to honor veterans and support your education. We encourage all eligible students to apply and seize the chance to make your academic aspirations a reality.
Ready to apply? Click the link below to begin your journey with the Samsung American Legion Scholarship.