Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by National Society, Sons of the American Revolution
Overview
The Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest is administered by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and targets Eagle Scouts with an interest in the American Revolution. The contest runs on a calendar-year basis (Jan 1 to the December due date) and accepts applicants regardless of the year the Eagle rank was awarded. Entrants must complete a standard application packet that includes genealogical and essay components. Winners receive national recognition and monetary awards at the conclusion of the competition.
Description: A national scholarship and recognition program for eligible Eagle Scouts promoting interest in Revolutionary-era history and service.
- Administered by the SAR at Chapter, State, and National levels.
- Open to Eagle Scouts registered in an active unit.
- Contest year follows the calendar year.
Eligibility
Eligibility is limited to Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active unit and who have not reached their nineteenth birthday during the year of application, except as noted by the contest rules. The year in which the Eagle rank was earned does not affect eligibility. Applicants may reapply in subsequent years if they remain age-eligible and have not previously won First Place at the National level. Local chapters or state societies may apply additional entry deadlines or procedures.
Eligibility: Must be an active Eagle Scout who meets the age requirement for the contest year.
- Active unit registration required.
- Not 19 years old during the calendar year of application (with stated exceptions).
- Repeat applications allowed if still age-eligible and no prior National First Place win.
Award Value
The contest awards monetary prizes to the top entrants at the national level, with a structured prize scale for First through fifteenth place. The First Place national winner receives recognition at the SAR Annual Congress and is provided travel and lodging allowances for the awards ceremony. Awards may be accepted as cash or used as a scholarship to an educational institution. State and chapter-level prizes and recognition may also be available.
Award Value: National prizes range from the top award down to smaller awards for semifinalists and finalists.
- First Place: $10,000 plus appearance and travel support for SAR Annual Congress.
- Second through fifth places receive graduated cash awards; additional smaller awards for places 6–15.
- Awards can be taken as cash or directed to educational institutions as scholarships.
Application & Timeline
Applicants must submit a completed application form, a four-generation ancestor chart, and a 500-word patriotic-themed essay. The contest year spans January 1 through the December due date; local chapter or state society deadlines may vary, so applicants should contact their local SAR Eagle Scout contact for specific dates. Entrants typically submit one application at the chapter level, which suffices for progression to state and national consideration if the entrant advances. Official application materials and rules are provided by SAR through their application resources.
Application Timeline: Submit required documents within the contest year and adhere to local chapter or state deadlines.
- Required materials: application form, four-generation ancestor chart, 500-word essay.
- Contest year: Jan 1 to the December due date; check local deadlines.
- One application at the chapter level covers subsequent levels if the entrant advances.
Competition Structure
The competition is conducted in three phases: Chapter level, State Society level, and National level. Applicants normally enter at the Chapter level; in some cases entry may occur at the State Society level but direct National entry is not permitted. Chapter-level winners have their applications forwarded by SAR for State and National evaluation as appropriate. Judges at each level select winners according to the contest rules and submission criteria.
Competition Structure: Multi-tiered progression from chapter to state to national evaluation.
- Typical entry point is the local SAR Chapter.
- Chapter winners advance to State Society and then to National review.
- Direct entry to the National level is not allowed.