Michigan American Legion Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Michigan American Legion Auxiliary
Applications and the official form are available at: www.michalaux.org
Application deadline: must be received by March 15, 2026.
Overview
This Memorial Scholarship provides a one-year $1,000 award to assist with education-related expenses. Awards are granted on the basis of financial need and academic record. Winners will be notified after judging; if you have not been contacted by July 30, 2026, call the Department of Michigan Auxiliary at 517-267-8809.
Eligibility
- Applicant must be a descendant of a veteran.
- Applicant must be either entering or currently in their senior year of high school, or in their freshman or sophomore year of college and no older than 21 years.
Residency and Enrollment Requirements
- Applicant must live in the State of Michigan at the time of application and must have been a Michigan resident for the year immediately preceding the award date.
- Applicant must be enrolled in, or planning to attend, a school, college, or other educational institution located in Michigan.
Application Submission Rules
- The applicant must submit their own application packet.
- Complete every question on the application; if a question does not apply, mark it N/A.
- Only the selected recipients will be notified. The scholarship winner must inform American Legion Auxiliary Headquarters whether they accept the award; failure to notify will result in forfeiture.
Award Distribution and Conditions
- Total award amount: $1,000 to be used for tuition, room and board, fees, books, and supplies.
- Payment schedule: Two checks of $500 each will be issued by the American Legion Auxiliary in August and October and mailed directly to the college’s Financial Aid Office where the recipient is enrolled.
- The scholarship covers one academic year. Recipients may apply to receive the award for one additional year.
- The award will be immediately revoked if the institution’s Dean or another authorized official reports that the recipient is no longer attending classes for reasons including misconduct, scholastic deficiency, or other disqualifying causes.
Required Application Materials (Complete applications include all five items)
1) Verification of veteran status: A copy of the veteran’s discharge papers (showing dates of induction/enlistment and separation). If you do not have the DD-214, alternatives include:
- If the veteran lived in Michigan and received a Michigan bonus, request records from the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, P.O. Box 30026, Lansing, MI 48909.
- Request military service records via the National Archives at www.archives.gov. If a DD-214 is not available, use Form SF-180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records) from the same site.
Please note: unless the veteran is deceased, only the veteran may request these documents. Expect a processing time of approximately 6–8 weeks — apply early.
2) Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s character and qualifications (examples: school principal or counselor, clergy, professor).
3) Official transcript of grades (high school transcript if you are in high school; college transcript if currently attending college).
4) Financial information: a copy of the FAFSA Summary Report and Confirmation Page or the FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR). If FAFSA documentation is not available, submit copies of the parent’s and applicant’s 2023 or 2025 Federal Income Tax Return. Social Security numbers may be redacted.
5) Completed and signed Memorial Scholarship application form.
Submission address and contact
All materials must be received no later than March 15, 2026. Send the completed application packet by mail or email to:
American Legion Auxiliary Department of Michigan
ATTN: Memorial Scholarship Committee
212 N Verlinden Ave, Suite B
Lansing, MI 48915
Email: [email protected]
If you need help or have not been notified of results by July 30, 2026, contact the Department of Michigan Auxiliary at 517-267-8809.