Education

The American Legion has always strongly supported education as a necessary prerequisite to the functioning of a successful democracy. While recognizing the right of private and religious groups to maintain schools, the Legion strongly believes in the necessity of a universal publicly supported system of primary, secondary and college education to ensure that every American child has the opportunity for an adequate education.

Just as a proper national defense requires trained personnel, the daily operations of local, state and federal government, as well as the U.S. economic system, require competent citizens who are qualified, willing and able to live up to their responsibilities.

Legionnaires also are encouraged to serve on local school boards and participate in community, state and national efforts to constantly improve education.

To help the pursuit of higher education, The American Legion gives out more than $100,000 worth of college scholarships each year through its various programs: the National High School Oratorical Contest, the Eagle Scout of the Year Award and The American Legion Legacy Scholarship. The Legion also partners with Samsung to annually provide $20,000 scholarships for undergraduate studies to high school juniors who complete a Boys State or Girls State program, and are direct descendants or legally adopted children of a wartime veterans eligible for American Legion membership.

The American Legion's "Need A Lift?" financial aid handbook for high school students features information on scholarships, loan and grant opportunities, and information about specific colleges and careers. The publication can be purchased for $4.95, including shipping, prepaid from American Legion Emblem Sales, P.O. Box 1050, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

The American Legion School Awards Program recognizes graduating students of all education levels: elementary to college. Honorees are recognized for possessing qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. Awards may be purchased for presentation from American Legion Emblem Sales.

American Education Week, a cooperative effort between The American Legion and the National Education Association, draws attention to the importance of education, while recognizing teachers and students who performed above the norm. Each year, The American Legion prepares literature on the observance week for distribution through departments to American Legion posts.

Veterans in the Classroom is an initiative spearheaded by The American Legion to organize a nationwide effort to connect veterans with schools and ultimately put them in front of the classroom. In doing so, students learn firsthand from the veterans about life in the military, the horrors of war, and how the service of America's veterans affected their lives and the lives of others.

Students gain a greater respect and understanding of the veterans' sacrifices and commitment to service. Students also learn the true meaning of patriotism as they study real issues of America's history.