Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Medical Career Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Michigan American Legion Auxiliary

Description
**Overview:** The American Legion Skilled Trades Scholarship provides annual financial support to young Michigan residents pursuing careers in construction/building, automotive, advanced manufacturing, or energy. It targets applicants pursuing post‑high school trades training, apprenticeships, or two‑year college programs that lead to state or federal certification. The program emphasizes practical, workforce‑ready training rather than four‑year academic degrees. Awards are administered by the American Legion Department of Michigan in partnership with scholarship donors and the department’s Education and Scholarship Committee.

Key takeaways:
- Targets career-focused training in four trades sectors.
- Supports apprenticeships, trades schools, and two‑year college programs.
- Administered by the American Legion Department of Michigan.

Eligibility
**Who may apply:** Applicants must be Michigan residents between the ages of 17 and 21 at the time they submit an application. Eligible candidates must be entering or currently enrolled in post‑high school trades training/apprenticeship or a two‑year college program in a covered skilled trade that leads to state or federal certification. Preference is given to descendants of veterans, but that relationship is not a requirement for receiving the award. Applicants must submit all required application materials by the stated April deadline to be considered.

Key takeaways:
- Age requirement: 17–21 at application time.
- Must be a Michigan resident.
- Must pursue a qualifying trades apprenticeship, training program, or two‑year college trade program.
- Veteran descendant status is preferred but optional.

Award Value and Duration
**Amount and term:** Each scholarship provides $1,000 per year for up to two years (totaling $2,000 if second‑year conditions are met). The award is valid only for the two stated years; the second year’s disbursement depends on meeting performance and enrollment requirements. The program is structured to support both initial entry into training and continued progress in the second year.

Key takeaways:
- $1,000 awarded each year.
- Eligible for a second $1,000 in year two subject to conditions.
- Maximum potential award per recipient: $2,000 over two years.

Number of Scholarships Awarded
**Annual count:** The Department of Michigan designates a limited number of awards each year. For 2026, two scholarships will be awarded. The number of awards may vary in other years depending on funding and donor support.

Key takeaways:
- 2026 allocation: two scholarships.
- Annual award count may change based on funding.

Use of Funds
**Permitted expenses:** Scholarship funds are intended to cover tangible training‑related costs such as tools, specialized clothing, personal protective equipment, fees, and tuition for approved trades programs. Funds may be applied to expenses at trade schools, apprenticeship programs, or two‑year college skilled‑trade programs that lead to certification. Recipients must provide documentation of supply or tuition costs when requested to validate appropriate use.

Key takeaways:
- Pays for tools, gear, safety equipment, fees, and tuition.
- Applicable to trade schools, apprenticeships, and two‑year college programs.
- Documentation of expenses may be required.

Application Timeline and Requirements
**Deadlines and materials:** Applications and supporting materials must be received by the April deadline each year to be eligible for review. Complete submission by that deadline is mandatory; incomplete or late materials will not be considered. While specific required documents are determined by the scholarship administrators, applicants should prepare proof of Michigan residency, age, program enrollment or acceptance, and any other materials requested by the committee.

Key takeaways:
- Annual deadline: materials must be received by April.
- Complete application and supporting documents required.
- Prepare residency, age, and enrollment documentation.

Award Procedure and Disbursement
**How funds are paid:** Scholarship checks are issued either to the individual recipient, the educational institution, the training program, or a vendor/business depending on the intended use (supplies versus tuition). Proof of supply costs is required before funds intended for materials or equipment will be released. Second‑year disbursement is contingent on submission of first‑year transcripts and proof of continued enrollment in the trades program, college coursework, or proof of continued employment in the trade.

Key takeaways:
- Payments may be issued to recipient, school, program, or vendor.
- Proof of supply costs required for materials/equipment disbursement.
- Second‑year funds require first‑year transcripts and enrollment or employment proof.

Administration and Background
**Program management:** The scholarship is managed by the American Legion Department of Michigan’s Education and Scholarship Committee in coordination with scholarship donors. The committee reviews applications, selects recipients at its discretion, and enforces documentation and disbursement policies. Details above reflect the program’s requirements and procedures as administered for the 2026 award cycle.

Key takeaways:
- Administered by the American Legion Department of Michigan.
- Selection and disbursement decisions made by the Education and Scholarship Committee and donors.
- Details provided reflect the 2026 administration and requirements.