Do Boy Scouts Get Special Scholarships for College?

I've been in Boy Scouts for years and now I'm heading to college. I'm wondering if there are any special scholarships for students with a scouting background. Has anyone been able to secure one, and what was the process like?

Certainly, many scholarships are targeted specifically towards students who have been involved in Boy Scouts and have achieved certain levels of leadership and service within the organization. For example:

1. Eagle Scout scholarships: Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouts, and there are numerous scholarships available specifically for Eagle Scouts. Some of these scholarships are offered by the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA). They offer several types of scholarships: academic scholarships, including the NESA STEM scholarship for students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and merit scholarships, which are available to Eagle Scouts based on their school and Scouting participation, as well as their community service.

2. American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year: This scholarship awards $10,000 to the winner and $2,500 to three runners-up. Boys Scouts apply through their local American Legion Post.

3. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): They offer a Scout of the Year scholarship program. The first-place winner gets a $5,000 award, second place receives a $3,000 scholarship, and the third-place winner is awarded $1,000.

The application process for these scholarships typically involves filling out an application form outlining your achievements in scouting along with an essay, recommendation letters, a resume, as well as other supporting materials. Deadlines and decision dates can vary, but they generally take place in the first quarter of the year.

Remember to also look at local and regional opportunities. Many local scouting councils, community organizations, and businesses offer scholarships for scouts. Reach out to your local Boy Scouts council or talk to your scoutmaster for more information on these types of opportunities.

So yes, there are definitely scholarships out there for scouts, and applying is definitely worth your time and effort given your years of commitment to scouting.