American Legion Auxiliary
Department of California
America the Beautiful
Crown Thy Good with Brotherhood
American Legion Auxiliary
Department of California
America the Beautiful
Crown Thy Good with Brotherhood
Department of California Education Scholarships
Eligibility for all educational scholarships to be awarded by the Department of California shall be granted only to students attending schools in California and who are a veteran, son, daughter, or spouse of a veteran.
Applicants for any Department of California Scholarship must be a resident of the State of California and planning on attending a college or university in California in the Fall. (Exception: Lucille Ganey Scholarship.)
The Process
1. Student obtains and completes application. Note: Online applications are two pages.
2. Student locates closest American Legion Auxiliary Unit and submits application to them.
3. The Unit selects one applicant for each type of scholarship and forwards applications to the District Education Chairman. Applicant is eligible to win one scholarship only. Other limitations may also apply.
4. The District selects one applicant for each type of scholarship and forwards them to the Department Education Chairman.
5. The Department selects one winner per scholarship and announces the winners during the June Convention.
6. Winners are notified by the Department Education Chairman.
7. Selecting a Scholarship Winner. (Word) (PDF)
The number of scholarships offered by the Department of California is dependent upon donations received and availability of funds.
Educational Assistance General Scholarship
Applicant must fill out and submit one application form E21.
a. One (1) $2,000 scholarship payable at $1,000 per year.
b. Four (4) $1,000 scholarships payable at $1,000 each.
c. Three (3) $500 scholarships payable at $500 each.
Continuing/Re-entry Students or students pursuing a higher degree Scholarship
Applicant must fill out and submit one application form E21C.
a. One (1) $1,000 Mel Foronda Memorial Scholarship.
b. Two (2) $1,000 scholarships payable at $1,000 each.
c. Two (2) $500 scholarships payable at $500 each.
The following three scholarships are restricted to the winning California candidates in the event they do not win on the Western Division National Competition.
Spirit of Youth for Juniors
One (1) Spirit of Youth for Juniors Scholarship payable at $500.
National President’s Scholarship
One (1) $500 National President’s Scholarship payable at $500.
National President’s Non-Traditional Scholarship
One (1) $500 National President’s Non-Traditional Scholarship, payable at $500.
Lucille Ganey Memorial Scholarship
Applicant must fill out and submit one application form E21G.
a. One $500 scholarship shall be awarded annually to a California student attending Stephens College in Missouri or a California student already attending Stephens College.
Connie Settles Memorial Scholarship
Applicant must fill out and submit one application form application form E21S.
a. One scholarship up to $5000 to be given annually and may include the cost of books.
b. This is a gift scholarship and does not have to be repaid.
c. Applicant must be a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and shall have paid dues for the two preceding years and for the calendar year in which the application is made.
d. This scholarship is to be given yearly until funds are depleted.
e. Only Senior members may apply, unless a Junior member is already attending college.
f. It will be for ANY College or University. It is for undergraduate, masters, or doctorate programs.
g. It is for continuing education students ONLY.
h. Transcripts are required, along with one (1) letter from the applicant regarding themselves and their goals, plus two (2) letters of recommendation.
i. The scholarship must be used within twelve (12) months of the date the winner is notified, otherwise the scholarship is forfeited.
j. Applicant must present the completed forms to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit President on or before March 1 of the ensuing year.
k. The winning entry from each Unit shall be certified by the Unit President and mailed to the District Education chairman to be received no later than March 15 of the ensuing year
l. The District Education chairman shall choose one (1) winner and forward it to the Department Education Chairman
m. When there is but one application the Department Education Chairman shall determine the amount needed and award said scholarship.
n. When there is more than one application the Trustees of the Connie Settles Memorial Scholarship Fund shall make the final determination.
o. The award shall be paid directly to the school that the applicant is registered and attending.
p. The Department of California shall administer the funds and no information shall be given out regarding the funds. If questions arise, they are to be referred to the Trustees.
q. The scholarship shall be given to a course of study that will enhance the future of the applicant. Therefore, no monies will be given to sewing classes, aerobics, sculpting or any other classes deemed to be nonessential.
Past Department Presidents Junior Scholarship
Applicant must fill out and submit one application form application form E21J.
a. Applicant must have consecutive membership as a Junior for three years and be current with her membership in the American Legion Auxiliary and must be a child, grandchild or great grandchild of a veteran who served in the Armed Forces of the United States during any of the following periods shown at the top of this page.
b. Applicant must be currently attending high school and will be attending college during the following academic year.
c. Applicant must be a resident of California or if applicant’s eligibility is by current members (Legion or Auxiliary) in California, the applicant may reside elsewhere.
d. The scholarship shall be payable to the applicant as soon as confirmation has been received by the Department Office from the college of the applicant’s choice.
e. The scholarship must be used within relative dates of one academic year following the award (i.e. September 04 – September 05) or be forfeited.
**Applicants awarded scholarships by the Department of California American Legion Auxiliary have only two (2) years to initiate use of the funds awarded. If a scholarship is not claimed by the university or college on behalf of the applicant within that two (2) year period, the Department Office will inquire in writing as to why these funds have not been used. If use of funds is not initiated within that time frame, they are to be reverted back to the funds from which they were originated. If the circumstances of nonuse are of a medical nature, it is by the discretion of the Deprt.President, Secretary/Treasurer, and the Chairman to extend the claim for an additional time period not to exceed 18 months, before funds are reverted back to where they were originated.**