Boy Scouts and College Scholarship Opportunities

As an active Boy Scout, I'm curious about scholarships for college that are specifically available to scouts. Does anyone know how to find these opportunities and what the application process usually entails?

There are indeed many scholarships specifically for Boy Scouts, which are mostly offered by organizations with ties to scouting. Here are a few examples to give you an idea:

1. National Eagle Scout Association Scholarships: These scholarships range from $3,500 to $48,000 and are available to Eagle Scouts based on their grade point average, Scouting background, college plans, and financial need. Applications usually open in December and close in January.

2. NCCS Scholarship Program: This is awarded by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. High school seniors who are Catholic and have earned their Eagle Scout awards are eligible for these scholarships, which range from $2,000 to $5,000 each.

3. American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year: This is a $10,000 scholarship program, available for Eagle Scouts who are high school juniors or seniors and have demonstrated practical citizenship at school and in the community.

Applying for these scholarships usually involves completing an application form and submitting it by a specified deadline (each scholarship may have a different deadline). Some scholarships might request letters of recommendation so have a few individuals in mind who can speak to your character, leadership, and commitment to the principles of Scouting. You should also be prepared to provide information on your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and your experiences and leadership roles within scouting.

As for finding scouting scholarships, you can directly visit the Boy Scouts of America website, where they list several scholarship opportunities available to Eagle Scouts. You can also use online search tools like Appily or the webpage of the College Board to search for scholarships based on various criteria including scouting experience.

Remember to start your scholarship search and application process early. Some of these scholarships have deadlines that are well ahead of college application deadlines. Good luck!