The purpose of the Education program is to promote quality education for children and adults through classroom activities, literacy programs, scholarship promotion, and support of education beyond high school, with a special emphasis in children of veterans and servicemembers.

The education of America’s children is essential for the future of our nation. The ALA joins with the American Legion Family to aid and support the basic rights of all children to receive a suitable education. The Education Committee should familiarize itself with
existing sources of scholarship available beyond those of the ALA. The Department Chair should urge Units to become familiar with scholarship opportunities in their local areas.

The National ALA annually awards the following scholarships:

1. Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship (15)
2. Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior members (5)
3. Non-traditional Student Scholarship (5)
4. Junior Member Loyalty Scholarship (10)

ALA Department Scholarships

1. The Dr. Kate Waller Barrett Scholarship (Department funded)
2.The Scholarship designated for pursuit of a degree contributing to the medical/healthcare field (formerly the Past Presidents’ Scholarship) (100% donation funded)
3. The Veterans Education Scholarship (100% donation funded)

Note that the two Department scholarships that are 100% donation dependent are awarded only if donations are received by the Department.

American Legion Scholarships

1. Lucien Butler American Legion Department of Virginia Scholarship
(https://valegion.org/programs/scholarships/lucien-butler-scholarship/)
2. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship

Activities:

• Participation in Give10 to Education (ongoing)
• Participation in American Education Week (Nov 17-21, 2025)
• Participation in Teachers Appreciation Week (May 4-8, 2026)
• Collaborate with The American Legion to participate in Veterans in Community Schools events

Join the ALA Education Facebook group and check the National ALA website frequently for updates.

Excerpted from the ALA Unit Guide (2024, pp.73-74); Department C&B, Dept website and https://www.legion-aux.org/Member/Committees/Education/Get-Involved-Education

Updated July 2025

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