DAV Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Disabled American Veterans
Program Overview
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization annually recognizes outstanding student volunteers who serve America’s veterans. To promote volunteerism and support education, DAV awards a total of $140,000 in scholarships each year for use at accredited institutions, including universities, colleges, community colleges, and vocational schools. The program highlights the importance of volunteer service to the DAV mission and supports students pursuing higher education after contributing significant service to veterans.
Description: Annual scholarship program administered by DAV to honor student volunteers who demonstrate dedication to veterans through documented volunteer service.
Award Value: DAV provides $140,000 in scholarships each year to be distributed among qualified recipients for use at accredited higher-education institutions.
- Recognizes student volunteers who support veterans and VA programs.
- Supports education at accredited institutions, including vocational schools.
- Funds are distributed annually with specific usage and eligibility rules.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be age 21 or younger and have completed a minimum of 100 volunteer hours credited through DAV or DAV Auxiliary. The application requires an essay describing what volunteering for veterans means to the applicant. Nominations may be submitted by the applicant, VA Voluntary Service Program Managers, DAV departments and chapters, or by friends and family. Scholarships must be used within specified time limits after award.
Eligibility: Open to volunteers age 21 or younger with at least 100 hours credited through DAV or DAV Auxiliary; submission includes an essay by the student.
Award Use: Recipients must utilize scholarship funds in full prior to reaching age 25, or within six years of receiving the scholarship, whichever is later.
Nominations: Applications can be submitted by the student or nominated by VA staff, DAV members, or personal contacts.
- Age limit: 21 or younger at time of award.
- Minimum volunteer service: 100 hours credited to DAV or DAV Auxiliary.
- Requires an essay and may be nominated by multiple parties.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer hours eligible for the scholarship can be earned at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and through Local Veterans Assistance Programs (LVAPs). All reported hours must be credited to Disabled American Veterans to count toward eligibility. Prospective applicants should contact their local VA medical center or DAV chapter to find documented volunteer opportunities and confirm hour crediting procedures.
How to Accumulate Hours: Perform volunteer service at VA medical centers, participate in LVAP activities, and ensure hours are recorded and credited to the Disabled American Veterans organization.
- Earn eligible hours at VA medical centers or through LVAPs.
- Ensure all hours are officially credited to DAV or DAV Auxiliary.
- Contact local VA or DAV chapter to locate opportunities and verify reporting procedures.