American Legion Oratorical Contest

Awarded By:

American Legion

Number of Awards & Eligibility: Four awards offered.

Description: American Legion is the nation’s largest Veterans agency. Central to its mission is to mentor youth, sponsor wholesome programs, advocate patriotism and promote national security. The American Legion Oratorical Contest is an academic speaking challenge. It teaches Many things. Like key leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. Over $188,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets a $20,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $17,000, and third gets $15,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.

Application requirements for the American Legion Oratorical Contest are:

• No application requirements for this scholarship

Additional Information: High school students who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents under age 20 are eligible. You must also be • presently enrolled in a high school or junior high school (public, parochial, military, private or home school • enrolled in high school or junior high school during the time of participation at any level of The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. • Either be legally domiciled within or attend an educational institution within the department that they enter competition. Contestants can enter competition through only one department. Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three- to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.

Award Amount: Over $188,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets a $20,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $17,000, and third gets $15,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship.  The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $188,000.

Contact: M. Buss

Address: P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206