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Getting a job or staying competitive in today’s workplace involves showing employers you have the skills and experience to get the job done. In many cases, returning to college is a must. The American Legion Auxiliary's goal is to do all we can to make that happen, and that’s what the Non-Traditional Student Scholarship is all about. This scholarship helps people who are part of The Legion Family, veterans, and the spouses of active duty servicemembers or veterans pursue a college degree later in life or allow them to pick up where they left off when their studies were interrupted. If you’re at this place in life, this may be the right scholarship for you.
Five scholarships, in the amount of $2,000 each, will be awarded for 2026. All are gift scholarships, not loans.
One scholarship will be awarded in each of the five divisions of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Attachments:
Applicants will need to attach one of the following to complete their application: a resume OR personal statement outlining their work experience. We understand that traditional employment histories may vary. In lieu of a resume, personal statements offer an opportunity to highlight transferable skills, life experiences, and dedication to personal and professional growth.
Disbursement of funds:
The award will be paid directly to the school for the first semester upon notification from the school that the student has registered. American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters must receive certification of enrollment within 12 months of the winning recipient’s notification, or the scholarship will be forfeited. The scholarship must be used within 24 months of the date the winner receives notification from National Headquarters, or the scholarship will be forfeited. Thus, if the winning recipient does not wish to use monies for FIRST-YEAR expenses, they then must be used for SECOND-YEAR expenses or be forfeited.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for this scholarship is March 1 at 11:59pm Eastern of each year. No extensions will be granted. Due to the high number of scholarship questions and applications received, the ALA National Headquarters staff and National Education Committee are unable to respond to application inquiries to confirm receipt of materials. Recipients are informed in late spring.