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 National President’s focus this year is Education.

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)
5. There are two new scholarships this year, for military spouses.

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 Scholarshiphttps://www.legion.org/getinvolved/scholarships/the–american–legion–legacy–scholarshipActivities:

• Participation in Give 20 to Education (ongoing) in honor of the Give 10 program’s 20^th
• Participation in American Education Week (Nov 16-20, 2026)
• Participation in Teachers Appreciation Week (May 3-7, 2027)
• 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 September 2026 ________________________________________________________