A DAR Scholarship is a merit and need based award from the scholarship organization, Daughters of the American Revolution. Award amounts may vary but may be useful if you are pursing a college or graduate degree.
Each year multiple DAR scholarships are offered to students who pursue various college studies. Students may be studying history, education, law, political science, medicine and others.
The DAR Scholarship Committee sets the rules about who may apply.
Must be United States citizen
Must attend (or plan to) an accredited U.S. school
Be a high school graduate or college / graduate student
Member of an individual DAR chapter (not always a criteria)
Proof of financial need
Academic excellence (GPA minimum based on a 4.0 scale or its equal)
Test Scores (ACT, SAT, LSAT, MCAT or GRE)
You should also pay attention to any other rules that relate to each scholarship program. Then make sure to submit any related documents when you fill out a scholarship application.
DAR chapter sponsorship is not needed. But, you may want to reach out to a local chapter if you have any questions about specific scholarships.
10 Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarships
Here are ten DAR scholarships that you should apply for now. It’s never too late to start earning scholarship funds to help pay for college.
Dr. Francis Anthony Beneventi Medical Scholarship
Alice W. Rooke Scholarship
Margaret Howard Hamilton Scholarship
Lilian and Arthur Dunn Scholarship
Mildred Nutting Nursing Scholarship
Society of Daughters of the United States Army (DUSA Scholarship)
Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship
Occupational/Physical Therapy Scholarship
Arthur Lockwood Benventi Law Scholarship
Mary Elizabeth Lockwood Beneventi MBA Scholarship
What are the Daughters of the American Revolution?
NSDAR is a nonprofit and non political active women’s service organization. DAR began as women wanted to express their patriotism. It was founded on October 11, 1890.
As a result, a group of trailblazing women in the nation’s capital banded together to form DAR. They began with three goals.
Historical: To keep the memory alive of all who achieved American Independence
Educational: To promote and diffuse knowledge as a way to enlighten public opinion
Patriotic : To cherish and extend the institutions of American Freedom
Today, DAR boasts over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the U.S. and around the world. Some of the programs they run are youth programs, and volunteering at hospitals and veteran facilities. The organization also presents patriotic awards. These include the ROTV medals and Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award.
How Do You Join DAR?
Any woman 18 years or older may be eligible for membership regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background. Eligible members must prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution.
To discover your family roots, or map out your family tree, you may use the DAR Genealogical Research System. It includes information on patriot ancestors and their children.
When you join the DAR, you may form lifelong bonds, honor ancestors and promote historic preservation. Many of the volunteer work is thanks to the grassroots efforts on the local level. As a member, you might participate in the following activities:
Preserve genealogical records, artifacts and historical docs
Restore and maintain historical sites
Promote education
Support America’s service personnel through programs
Sponsor programs that promote the Constitution
Celebrate with new citizens at naturalization ceremonies
Volunteer to support local schools
Locate, restore, mark Revolutionary War patriot grave sites and headstones
Donate masks to front line health care workers dealing with the COVID 19 pandemic
Access the DAR library, museum and resources
In order to become a member, you must a fill out a membership interest form. Admission to membership in the National Society is through a chapter or as a Member At Large. You also must provide documents of the birth, marriage, death of your ancestor and their Revolutionary War service.
What DAR College Scholarships Can You Apply for?
DAR offers many college scholarships for its members and students who are studying education, nursing, political science, and economics. There are also DAR scholarships for Native Americans. You don’t need to be a DAR member for some of these awards.
To apply for a DAR scholarship, you must fill out an application form online. Also, make sure to thoroughly read the eligibility requirements and submit by the deadline. Also, here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when applying for DAR scholarships.
Do’s
Enter and upload all required application information to the online portal
Once you set up your scholarship profile, upload letters of recommendation. At least 2 letters of recommendation from high school or college now attending.
Obtain and submit a copy of your school transcript in a sealed envelope
Check the listing of the scholarship for any specific requirements
Most recent copy of your high school transcript. It should show class rank, size and test scores if applicable
If listed on an official document, you must blackout social security numbers and cover your photograph
Photocopy of United States citizenship: Birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers
Provide any other information (E.g. financial need)
Don’ts
No personal photographs as it will disqualify you
Hand written documents will disqualify you
American Indians Scholarships
If you are a Native American, you may qualify for DAR awards. This award is for eligible Native American of any age, tribe and state. You may pursue for either an undergraduate or graduate degree too. You must show letter of proof of your national origin, financial need and 3.25 GPA or higher.
DAR American Indian Scholarship is a one time award of $4,000. Graduate students may apply but preference is given to undergraduates.
Frances Crawford Marvin American Indian Scholarship award amount varies each year. It is for one eligible Native American student only. A candidate must also be a full time student at a 2 or 4 year college/university. If you are selected, you may reapply.
Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education Scholarships
DAR offers two scholarships for education majors. Both awards are merit based and do not renew. But, recipients may reapply if they still meet the criteria. To qualify, you must be:
25 years or older
Have a 3.5 GPA or higher
Be at least a college sophomore
Attend (or plan to) an accredited college/university
History, Economics, Government and Political Science Scholarships
Given DAR’s enthusiasm for history, the scholarship organization sets aside American History scholarships. A basic criteria to meet is to be or plan to be a full time student at an accredited college or university in the United States.
This is a one time $2,000 American history scholarship. It is for two graduating high school seniors. To qualify, you must show interest in, and plan to major in history in your college. You also need a GPA of 3.25 or above.
This award is for two deserving college juniors or seniors. They each receive a one time award of $5,000. You must also be pursuing a major in political science, American history, economics or government.
Medical and Nursing Scholarships
DAR offers a range of scholarships for medical and nursing majors to help pay for medical and nursing school.
Dr. Francis Anthony Beneventi Medical Scholarship offers $5,000 to one student only. It is a one time award. But you may reapply for up to 4 consecutive years. As long as you continue to meet the following criteria:
Attend (or plan to) an accredited approved medical school or college
Have a GPA of 3.25 or higher
No pre med, veterinarian, or physician assistant
Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship is a need based award of $2,500 for three students. To apply, you must go to (or be accepted) in an accredited school of nursing. You must also provide a Letter of acceptance into a nursing program and current transcript.
Daughters and Sons of DAR Members Scholarships
Some DAR scholarships are also set aside for children of DAR members. As a result, the member must be current and pay their membership fees.
Lillian and Arthur Dunn Scholarship is a $2,500 award that goes to two eligible sons or daughters of NSDAR members. It renews for up to four years of college or for up to four years of graduate study. To apply and renew you must also maintain a 3.25 GPA or higher.
Madeline Pickett (Halbert) Cogswell Nursing Scholarship is a $2,500 award that goes to two students. If you are accepted or enrolled in an accredited school of nursing, you may qualify. Applicants must be either a DAR member or eligible for membership. You may also be a child or descendent of member, mother, grandmother or step mother.