The scholarship contest has been offered since 1938 as a way to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Students may enter their state or local competition. National contest winners include first, second and third place winners. Scholarships are also offered to state winners.
Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long. The competition also include three- to five-minute speeches on a specified topic. Scholarship winners may use the scholarship money at any college or university in the United States.
The American Legion offers the scholarships to teach students leadership qualities, learn the history of the nation’s laws, improve students' ability to think and speak clearly, and gain a better understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.
The deadline for this scholarship VARIES each year, and the award amount is usually $18,000.
For more details, visit www.legion.org/oratorical
