Essay Program

Any applications for this program can be found on the forms page.

As American Legionnaires, we fully believe that education is the cornerstone upon which the future of America is built.  Education becomes the first requisite of good citizenship and the relationship of The American Legion to Pennsylvania citizens is of prime importance as a means of keeping us a free civilization.

Our approach to supporting solid educational principles is direct and positive. We agree with the PA Department of Education’s initiative of “writing across the curriculum” and we reward the efforts of involved students through our annual essay scholarship program beginning at the local Post.

Any student enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in a public, private, parochial, cyber school or who is home schooled in Pennsylvania is eligible to participate in the High School Essay Contest.  Students in grades 6, 7, 8 are encouraged to participate in the Middle School Essay Program in preparation for the high school program.

Through the annual Department of Pennsylvania American Legion Essay scholarship contest, students are provided an opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities in English by using originality, accuracy and research as evidence, while learning that the responsibilities and duties of good citizenship can be both rewarding and fun

Since the inception of the Department of Pennsylvania State Essay Contest in 1935, The American Legion has awarded well over $500,000 in scholarships, while local American Legion Posts, Counties, Districts and Sections have also offered suitable awards and prizes for their respective best essay winners.

Prizes to Be Awarded

• The Department of Pennsylvania State Essay First Place Winner will be awarded a $3,500 scholarship, a plaque, and a trip to this year’s Pennsylvania American Legion Convention in July to read the winning essay to the assembled delegates.
• The Second Place Winner will receive a $3,000 scholarship and a plaque.
• The Third Place Winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship and a plaque.

Any applications for this program can be found on the forms page.

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