LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP

 The American Legion Legacy Scholarship fund is competing for a $250,000 grant to be awarded by the Pepsi Beverage Company as part of its Refresh Everything Project this month. The winning charities are determined by the amount of votes received on the Refresh Everything Web site. The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors finished in first place during February's voting and has already been awarded the top grant of $250,000.

"I was very proud of those who supported us in February and enabled us to fund a program that directly supports our wounded heroes," National Commander Clarence Hill said. "Now it's time to come to the aid of another group of deserving people: those whose parents paid the ultimate price and sacrificed their lives while serving in our military during the war on terrorism. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship fund ensures that the children of these fallen heroes will be able to attend college and not have to worry about the rising cost of higher education. We can support the children of these heroes simply by voting every day throughout the month of May. The process will cost you nothing, but the reward can truly make a difference."

About The American Legion Legacy Scholarship

Goals - To provide scholarships to students whose parent died in the service

The American Legion is the largest not-for-profit wartime veterans service organization, federally chartered by congress in 1919. Through its various charitable programs, the main focus of The Legion is to Improve the quality of life for our veterans, active duty personnel, and their families.

Overview

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship benefits college-bound students whose mom or dad lost their lives serving in the U.S. Armed Forces since 9/11. As college tuition and expenses continue to increase it becomes increasingly difficult for a single parent to afford. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship provides assistance with the cost of tuition, fees, and room and board.

Estimates are that over 10,000 children have lost a parent in the US Military since 9/11. This number will continue to rise as more children graduate from high school. Funds from the Pepsi Refresh Everything Project will allow The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund to help meet this increasing need by providing assistance to deserving students. The American Legion and The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund will be there to help fulfill President Lincoln’s promise “…to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan…”

To vote for the American Legion Legacy scholarship program, click here.

How will the 250K be Used?

$ 110,000 scholarships awarded for the Fall 2010 semester

$ 110,000 scholarships to be awarded for the Spring 2011 semester

$ 30,000 will be used to promote the availability of additional scholarships

Budget Notes: The American Legion will cover the administrative costs so that all the money will go for scholarships.