Many scholarship opportunities exist for Scouts that want to further there education. Scholarships exist for Eagle Scouts, Scouters, Adult Scouts and Explorers. This is a work in progress and an effort to inform Scouts of the many scholarship opportunities that exist for them. While this list may become exhaustive, it should not be considered final. Many of these links go to external sources and the Boy Scouts of America and the Cimarron Council are not responsible for the content.

Eagle Scout Scholarships

Each year, the National Eagle Scout Association administers the granting of varying amounts of scholarships. The Hall/McElwain merit scholarships for Eagle Scouts provides 80 scholarships (20 are awarded in each region). Each scholarship is for $1,500 for tuition, books, and/or room and board expenses. These scholarships are restricted to Eagle Scouts who are graduating high school seniors. Selection is based on financial need, scholastic accomplishments, involvement in Scouting, and school and community activities. Grants are on a one-time basis and are not renewable.

A separate application is available for scholarships that are provided through the Mabel and Lawrence S. Cooke Scholarship Endowment, This scholarship, the largest awarded by NESA, was established by Lawrence S. Cooke in memory of his late wife, Mabel Cooke. One scholarship of up to $48,000 (up to $12,000 per year) and four $20,000 scholarships ($5,000 a year for four years) are given annually. Grants are announced during the first week of each June. Applications are available at all BSA local council service centers. Supporting information must be limited to eight pages or fewer. The deadline for submission is February 28.

Hall/McElwain Merit Scholarship Application 

The Elks' Eagle Scout Scholarship program is funded by the Elks National Foundation. Applications and all other information must be obtained through the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts process all applications and notify the ENF of the applicants selected.

Eagle Scout Academic Scholarship Application

American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year

The American Legion annually honors The American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year at its National Convention. The winner of the competition receives an $10,000 scholarship and the three runners-up each are awarded $2,500 scholarships.

VFW Scout of the Year competition

Any Department that has a "National VFW Scouting Team" member is able to annually select a top Scout from their Department. Their candidate will compete against other top Department Scouts.

The winner of the National competition receives a $5,000 scholarship and a trip to the VFW's National Convention, which is held annually at a select host city. Second- and third-place winners are awarded $3,000 and $1,000 respectively. View more information about the VFW Scout of the Year competition.

Sons of the American Revolution

Open to all Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active unit and have not reached their 19^th birthday during the year of application.  The year that Eagle was awarded is not restricted. College plans do not need to be completed in order to receive the cash scholarship. Three cash scholarship awards are given with the National First Place winner receiving $8,000.00. Learn more about the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship

National Jewish Committee on Scouting

Scholarships that are available through the National Jewish Committee on Scouting.

Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting

Scholarships that are available through the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting

Price of Freedom - Information about the Price of Freedom Conference and scholarship can be found here.

Frank D. Visceglia Memorial Scholarship

The Frank D. Visceglia Memorial Scholarship Fund supports educational opportunities for students who will have a direct impact on our ability to meet the needs of the next century in achieving the delicate balance between the economy and the environment. The scholarship is underwritten by the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks and Association for Commercial Real Estate. The applicant must be an Eagle Scout. Preference will be given to those Eagle Scouts whose Eagle service projects are related to the environment and/or the economy. (A description of that project will be among the deciding factors in awarding the scholarship.) The scholarship amount is $1,000. The recipient must have been accepted to, have applied for, or plan to attend an accredited four-year college. Deadline for applications is September 30. Mail applications to Frank D. Visceglia Memorial Scholarship Program, Dennis Kohl, Scout Executive, 12 Mount Pleasant Turnpike, Denville, NJ 07834.  

Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Distinguished Scout Scholarship
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting® has established the Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Distinguished Scout Scholarship to be awarded to three outstanding Catholic high school seniors who are Scouts in a BSA program and continuing their education in college. The requirements are listed in the Eligibility Requirements section on this page. Applications are due to the NCCS office by April 1 of each year. You can access information about the scholarship at http://www.nccs-bsa.org/business/EJDscholarship.php

Order of the Arrow Scholarships

Maury Clancy O.A. Campership Funds

The purpose of the Maury Clancy Campership Fund is to give Boy Scouts of American Indian heritage the opportunity to attend an approved council long-term camp program. For more information about the fund, visit the Maury Clancy Campership Fund page.

Woodbadge

VFW Wood Badge Scholarship Program

The VFW has entered into a cooperative effort with the Boy Scouts of America to encourage posts to organize Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews. To further this effort, the VFW national headquarters offers Wood Badge scholarships to assist selected chapter members in acquiring skills that will better equip them to serve the youth of their communities. Members at large and retirees can qualify by being sponsored by the nearest VFW post in their area.

Application Form - VFW Wood Badge Scholarship

AFL-CIO Wood Badge Scholarship Program

A survey conducted by the Boy Scouts of America revealed that one of every four unit leaders is a union member. This means that hundreds of thousands of union members are actively serving the youth of their community in such leadership roles as Cubmasters, den leaders, Scoutmasters, Varsity Scout Coaches, Venturing Advisors, and committee members.

Recognizing this, it is proper that the AFL-CIO offer a Wood Badge scholarship to assist selected union members in acquiring skills that will better equip them to serve the youth of their communities.

Application - AFL-CIO Wood Badge Scholarship

Scout Scholarships

Trails End Scholarship - A $2500 Scholarship offered from Trails End. Information can be found here.

INDIVIDUAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

OFFERING SCHOLARSHIPS TO SCOUTS

Albright College,
Reading, Pennsylvania

An unlimited number of $500 scholarships are available, renewable annually for up to four years, to any student regardless of Scouting rank. These scholarships are available from college funds and are awarded based on need.

Applicants must submit all usually required financial aid documents to Albright College, P.O. Box 15234, Reading, PA 19612-5234.

American Humanics, Inc.,
Kansas City, Missouri

Student loan funds are available from American Humanics, Inc., for men and women who are employed or are seeking a career as a professional with a youth or human service agency. The funds are available only as loans to be repaid at a low rate of interest following graduation.

The American Humanics program is available at the following institutions:

Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz.

California State University, Los Angeles, Calif.

Clemson University, Clemson, S.C.

College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, Mo.

Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, Kans.

High Point University, High Point, N.C.

Lindenwood College, St. Louis, Mo.

Louisiana State University, Shreveport, La.

Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Mo.

Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, N.J.

Murray State University, Murray, Ky.

Pepperdine University, Malibu, Calif.

Rockhurst College, Kansas City, Mo.

Salem/Teikyo University, Salem, W.Va.

Springfield College, Springfield, Mass.

University of Houston, Houston, Tex.

University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa

University of San Diego, San Diego, Calif.

Graduate programs are offered at Murray State University and the University of Northern Iowa. Write to American Humanics, Inc., 4601 Madison Avenue, Suite B, Kansas City, MO 64112.

In addition, American Humanics offers the Dwight Thompson Scholarships, available to students attending the programs at Salem/Teikyo University, Salem, W.Va.; High Point University, High Point, N.C.; and Rockhurst College, Kansas City, Mo. A Dwight Thompson Scholarship is also provided annually for a Scouter from the Dan Beard Council (Cincinnati, Ohio) and may be used at any American Humanics program location.

Birmingham-Southern College,
Birmingham, Alabama

Funds are provided by Birmingham-Southern College for one $10,000 scholarship--$2,500 per year for four years--to an Eagle Scout the college judges as most deserving from those who participate in its Eagle Scout scholarship competition. The award is made on the basis of academic record, test scores, and recommendations. For information and an application, contact Office of Admissions, Birmingham-Southern College, 900 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham, AL 35254.

Columbia College,
Columbia, Missouri

Columbia College will offer a $500 scholarship to any Eagle Scout or Explorer post member who is admitted to the college for an academic program. Columbia offers strong career programs in law enforcement and criminal justice, and business administration courses in shopping center management and travel management. They are very attractive programs for Explorer posts. For information, write Columbia College, 1001 and Rogers, Columbia, MO 65216.

Dowling College,
Oakdale, Long Island, New York

The Nathaniel M. Giffen Memorial Endowed Scholarship is a $2,000, four-year scholarship awarded annually to two freshmen (men or women) who have demonstrated a strong background in Scouting, who have shown fine academic achievement on the secondary school level, who enroll full-time to pursue a baccalaureate degree at Dowling, and who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is named in honor of Scouter Nat Giffen, a noted banker, community leader, and Dowling College trustee. For more information, contact Dowling College, Director of Financial Aid, Oakdale, N.Y. 11769, 516-244-3110.

Drury College,
Springfield, Missouri

Drury College will offer a $500 Leadership Scholarship to any Eagle Scout who is admitted to the college as a degree-seeking student. The Leadership Scholarship is renewable each year provided a 2.5 grade-point average is maintained. In addition to being an Eagle Scout, you must submit a resume listing leadership activities in high school to the office of admissions by March 15, and be admitted to the college. For further information, contact the Office of Admissions, Drury College, 900 North Benton Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802.

Grand Canyon University,
Phoenix, Arizona

The Presidential Leadership Eagle Award is $300 awarded yearly to Boy Scouts who have achieved the Eagle Scout rank. Proof of achievement is required. This scholarship is renewable each year the student maintains at least a 3.0 grade-point average and is enrolled full-time (12 credit hours minimum). The award is applied to tuition only. For details, write to Scholarship Coordinator, Financial Aid Office, Grand Canyon University, 3300 West Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85017.

Johnson & Wales University,
Providence, Rhode Island

A $1,200 award is given to selected freshmen who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. For further information, contact National Student Organizations Office, Johnson & Wales University, 8 Abbot Park Place, Providence, RI 02903.

Missouri Valley College,
Marshall, Missouri

Eagle Scouts, Explorers, and Brotherhood members of the Order of the Arrow who meet admissions requirements are eligible for awards of $18,000. These awards are made in annual increments of a $5,000 scholarship and a $1,500 work-and-learn stipend over four years of study at Missouri Valley College.

Missouri Valley College is a coeducational, liberal-arts college that promotes leadership in its students through the work-and-learn program and campus involvement. The college offers bachelor degrees in twenty-seven areas, including Human Service Agency Management. This program is designed for students seeking careers in Scouting and other youth or volunteer agencies.

Further information on programs, admission procedures, and financial aid is available from the Director of Admissions, Missouri Valley College, 500 East College Street, Marshall, MO 65340, 816-886-6924.

New Mexico Military Institute,
Roswell, New Mexico

The Eagle Scout John S. Bell Scholarship is open to all cadets who are active in Scouting and plan to remain so, and are Eagle Scouts. Renewal of the scholarship is contingent on the recipient maintaining a satisfactory academic record and continuing active participation in Scouting. New Mexico Military Institute offers a unique two-year commissioning program with more than $4,000 in U.S. Army ROTC monies over the two years at the institute. For information regarding these opportunities, write to Director of Admissions, New Mexico Military Institute, 101 W. College Boulevard, Roswell, NM 88201-5173.

Paul Smith's College of Arts and Sciences,
Paul Smiths, New York

Paul Smith's College will offer a $500 scholarship to a maximum of three selected first-year students per year. The recipients must have received a national William T. Hornaday Award for distinguished service in conservation, and be admitted to attend Paul Smith's College. For further information contact Financial Aid Office, Paul Smith's College, Routes 86 and 30, Paul Smiths, NY 12970.

Saint Vincent College,
Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Saint Vincent College offers automatic scholarships for Scouts. Eagle Scouts are eligible for an automatic scholarship from Saint Vincent College in a unique recognition program.

Any Eagle Scout who applies for admission to Saint Vincent will be offered a $1,000 Leadership Scholarship to attend SVC. The award is $250 per year for four years of undergraduate study at the coeducational liberal-arts and science college.

As a liberal-arts college, Saint Vincent recognizes the value and importance of leadership qualities in young adults. This special scholarship is designed to recognize and reward a Scout for his demonstrated leadership and achievement.

Applicants who are involved in other extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership in school, community, or church groups will be considered for larger scholarships of up to $2,500 per year.

Students who wish to apply for this scholarship opportunity should obtain an application form from SVC and submit it with an accompanying list of activities and three letters of recommendation from Scoutmaster, guidance counselor, Clergyman, or other officials.

Further information and application materials are available from the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA 15650.

Springfield College,
Springfield, Massachusetts

An annual award is given from the Mortimer L. Schiff Scholarship Endowment Fund to an outstanding Scout, with the highest ideals of Scouting, who wishes to train for professional leadership in boys' work only at Springfield College. One scholarship of $600 is available on a year-to-year basis. It is renewable. Students holding scholarships are given preference over new applicants. There is no special application for this scholarship; however, students are expected to complete the regular Springfield College financial aid application process. Apply to Director of Financial Aid, Springfield College, Springfield, MA 01109.

Stanford University,
Stanford, California

Dofflemyer Honors Scholarships are awarded to Eagle Scouts who are seeking a baccalaureate degree from Stanford University. The scholarships are based on financial need alone. Students applying must complete the three forms required of all Stanford undergraduates seeking financial aid: Free application for Federal Student Aid, the Financial Aid Form, which is processed by the College Scholarship Service, and Stanford's supplemental form. Proof of Eagle Scout rank should be sent with Stanford's supplemental form to the Financial Aids Office, 214 Old Union, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305. The deadline for filing is March 31 each year for returning students.

University of Louisville,
Louisville, Kentucky

Each year the University of Louisville provides 10 full tuition scholarships to Eagle Scouts. These scholarships can be renewed each year by maintaining a 3.0 average. Eligibility requirements are as follows: Kentucky resident, attain Eagle Scout rank in the Lincoln Heritage Council, have an American College Testing (ACT) composite score of 21 or higher, have a high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

For more information, contact the University of Louisville, Office of Student Financial Aid, at 502-852-5511. Request a trustee's scholarship application. Application deadline is January 31 each year.

Western Maryland College,
Westminster, Maryland

Western Maryland College, a small private liberal arts college located in central Maryland, is offering guaranteed tuition scholarships of $2,000 each to Eagle Scouts who enroll. To qualify, students must apply for admission, be accepted, and submit a copy of their Eagle Scout certificate and a letter of recommendation from their Scoutmaster. For further information contact Director of Financial Aid, Western Maryland College, Westminster, MD 21157.

Zenon C. R. Hansen Leadership Scholarship
Doane College,
Crete, Nebraska

The Zenon C. R. Hansen Leadership Scholarship for $7,000 is presented annually by the Zenon C. R. Hansen Foundation to a full-time student who is an Eagle Scout, active in the Boy Scouts of America, and who plans to remain active in Scouting and leadership activities. Renewal of the scholarship is contingent upon maintenance of a specified minimum grade point average and active involvement in the Doane Talent and Leadership Curriculum. Interested students must reapply each year.

Application deadline is March 10, but students should complete federal financial aid forms prior to March 1.

The college admissions application, scholarship application, and any additional information concerning the scholarship can be obtained from the Doane College Admissions Office, 1014 Boswell, Crete, NE 68333-2430, or call 800-333-6263.

Exploring Scholarships

For information on all Exploring Scholarships, including applications, visit: Learning for Life

DEA Drug Abuse Prevention Service Award.

Captain James J. Regan Memorial Scholarship

In 1974, Captain James J. Regan, Pennsylvania State Police, organized a group of law enforcement professionals whose specialty is technical support of investigations. The organization is composed of United States and Canadian law enforcement and intelligence officers from various local, state, provincial, federal, and military agencies. In 1990, the National Technical Investigators Association approved establishing a scholarship in the name of the late founder in keeping with his philosophy of excellence through education. This merit-based award is a $500 one-time scholarship. At least two scholarships will be awarded annually. The recognition will be presented at the national law enforcement Explorer conference or at a local ceremony.

Any law enforcement Explorer who is in the twelfth grade or in an accredited college program may apply. Candidates will be evaluated based on their academic record, leadership ability, extracurricular activities, and a personal statement on "What significance I place on a technical background in law enforcement." The application must be received no later than March 31. Submit four copies and the original of both the application form and all support materials to Exploring Division, S210, Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.

Law Enforcement Assistance Award

This award is available to Explorers who assist law enforcement agencies with meaningful and exceptional service. Candidates must have performed "an act which assisted in the prevention or solution of a serious crime or an act which assisted in leading to the apprehension of a felony suspect wanted by a law enforcement agency."

The award consists of an engraved plaque, a $1,000 scholarship presented by the Retired Agents Society of Secret Service, payable to an accredited college or university for tuition only. Four copies and the original of both the application form and all support materials must be submitted by March 31 to Exploring Division, S210, Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.

Sheryl A. Horak Law Enforcement Explorer Memorial Scholarship

The Sheryl A. Horak Law Enforcement Explorer Memorial endowment was instituted to provide scholarship opportunities to law enforcement Explorers who demonstrate superior potential as career law enforcement executives. Any law enforcement Explorer who is at least in the twelfth grade may apply. Candidates will be evaluated according to their academic record, leadership ability, extracurricular activities, and their personal statement on "Why I want to pursue a career in law enforcement."

This merit-based award involves a $1,000, one-time scholarship. Many scholarships will be granted according to the yield of the endowment. It also includes a plaque and pin. The recognition will be presented at the national law enforcement Explorer conference or at a local ceremony.

Four copies and the original of both the application form and all support materials must be received no later than March 31. Send applications to Exploring Division, S210, Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Special Agents' Scholarship

The bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Special Agents' Scholarships are presented every other year to law enforcement Explorers whose achievements reflect the high degree of motivation, commitment, and community concern that epitomize the law enforcement profession. The ATF scholarships are awarded in the amount of $1,000 payable to an accredited college or university for tuition only. The funds for the scholarships come from contributions from ATF agents, therefore the number of recipients for this scholarship may vary.

Applications are available from the BSA national office and local council service centers, as well as district and field offices of the ATF. Submit the completed application to the BSA local council by March 15 for certification. The application, along with the required attachments, must be completed and submitted by April 1 to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Attention: Liaison Program Manager, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 7150, Washington, DC 20226.

United States Customs Service Law Enforcement Explorer Scholarships

United States Customs Service Law Enforcement Explorer scholarships will be presented annually to law enforcement Explorers whose achievements reflect the high degree of motivation, commitment, and community concern that epitomize the law enforcement profession. Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $1,000, payable to an accredited college or university for tuition only.

The candidate must be a registered Explorer, active in a law enforcement post, and be at least a high school senior by March 1 of the year for which he or she is being considered.

Complete the application and submit it to the local council for certification by March 15. Applications, along with the required attachments, must be completed and submitted by March 31 to U.S. Customs Service, Attention: Law Enforcement Liaison Office, 1301 Constitution Avenue, Room 3422, Washington, DC 20229.  

Additional Resources

Google Directory Search of Scouting Scholarships-Scout Scholarships

The United States Department of Education's Web site on Federal Student Aid (studentaid.ed.gov) provides a wealth of information about grants, loans, and other forms of support available from the United States government.

Scouter.com has a great list of scholarship opportunities