ALA Department of Texas Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary

Overview
This scholarship is offered to Texas residents who are descendants of veterans who meet American Legion membership service dates. Awards are made based on personal goals, character, citizenship, financial need, academic record and the qualifying military service of a parent or grandparent.

Who is eligible
- Must be a resident of Texas.
- Must be a child, grandchild, or great‑grandchild of a veteran who served during one of the American Legion qualifying periods:
- April 6, 1917 through November 11, 1918 (World War I)
- Any time after December 12, 1941 (all subsequent wars/conflicts)
- The qualifying veteran may be the applicant’s father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, great‑grandfather, or great‑grandmother.

Student status requirements
- High school applicants must be seniors in the 2025–2026 school year.
- College applicants must be enrolled full time (minimum 12 credit hours per semester) and be attending consecutive semesters.

How applications are evaluated
Selection will consider the applicant’s goals/objectives, character, citizenship, demonstrated need, scholarship, and the veteran service connection listed above. Judging at every level uses these weighted categories:
- Character/Leadership: 25%
- Initiative/Goals: 25%
- Financial Need: 25%
- Scholarship: 25%

Important award conditions
- If selected, the student must be enrolled in college no later than August 1, 2026.
- Scholarships will not be awarded for the 2027–2028 enrollment year.
- If a recipient enrolls but then chooses not to attend the fall semester, the scholarship will be void.

Application submission and timeline
- Complete applications and all required attachments must be emailed to the Department of Texas Education Committee Chair at linda.malsbary@yahoo.com by May 1, 2026.
- Applicants will receive an email confirming receipt. Award decisions will be communicated by email in June 2026.

Required application materials (all items must be included)
1. The General Scholarship application form available at: alatexas.org/programs/education/
2. The completed application form (please verify all fields).
3. A resume that includes qualifications, career goals, chosen major and college, extracurricular activities, service hours, honors/awards, and statements of financial support from all sources not already listed on the application.
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation:
- One from the principal or counselor of the high school of graduation, or from an advisor or instructor at the current college/university.
- One from a community representative attesting to the applicant’s character, Americanism, and scholarship.
- One additional letter of the applicant’s choice.
5. A certified copy of the applicant’s high school grades for the last two years, or a college transcript.
6. Optional: Recommendation from the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit President or the Unit Education Chairman may be included for additional support.

Award information
- Gift scholarships of $500 each will be awarded to applicants who submit complete email applications by the May 1, 2026 deadline.
- Final award decisions rest with the Education Chairman and Committee.
- Scholarship checks will be mailed directly to the college or university the recipient will attend.

If you need clarification or confirmation of receipt, contact the Education Committee Chair at linda.malsbary@yahoo.com.