ALA Department of Texas Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary

Description

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) scholarship for Texas recognizes students who are descendants of veterans and who demonstrate character, academic promise, and financial need. Administered by the ALA Department of Texas Education Committee, the program supports both graduating high school seniors and continuing college students. Awards are intended to help students begin or continue postsecondary study and to honor the service connection of their family members. The program emphasizes community values and the Auxiliary’s historic support of veterans and their families.

Key takeaways
- Scholarship for descendants of Texas veterans administered by ALA Department of Texas.
- Supports high school seniors and full‑time college students.
- Honors family military service while assisting postsecondary education.
- Managed by the Department Education Committee.

Eligibility

**Residency and Relationship:** Applicants must be Texas residents and a child, grandchild, or great‑grandchild of a veteran who meets the ALA membership service dates.
**Veteran Service Dates:** Eligible veteran service includes World War I (April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918) and military service at any time after December 12, 1941 (all wars/conflicts).
**Student Status:** High school applicants must be seniors for the 2025–2026 school year. College applicants must be enrolled full time (minimum 12 credit hours per semester) and attending consecutive semesters.

Key takeaways
- Must be a Texas resident and direct descendant (child, grandchild, great‑grandchild) of an eligible veteran.
- Veteran service eligibility: 4/6/1917–11/11/1918 or any service after 12/12/1941.
- High school seniors must be 2025–2026 seniors; college applicants must be full‑time and consecutive.

Selection Criteria

**Evaluation Factors:** Selection is based on character, leadership, initiative and goals, financial need, scholarship, citizenship, and the war service of the veteran relative.
**Scoring Breakdown:** Judging at all levels uses equal weighting across four categories: Character/Leadership 25%, Initiative/Goals 25%, Financial Need 25%, and Scholarship 25%.
**Decision Authority:** Final determination of award recipients rests with the Department of Texas Education Chairman and the Education Committee.

Key takeaways
- Selection considers personal qualities, goals, need, academic record, citizenship, and veteran service connection.
- Judging weight: 25% each for Character/Leadership, Initiative/Goals, Financial Need, Scholarship.
- Award decisions are made by the Education Chairman and Committee.

Application Requirements

**Required Documents:** All listed attachments must accompany the emailed application. Required items include the completed General Scholarship application form (available at alatexas.org/programs/education/), a resume, three letters of recommendation, and certified academic records.
**Recommendation Details:** The three letters must include one from the school principal/counselor or current college advisor/instructor, one from a representative citizen addressing character and Americanism, and one additional personal choice.
**Optional Local Support:** A recommendation from the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit President or Unit Education Chairman may be included for extra consideration.

Key takeaways
- Attach completed application form, resume, three recommendations, and certified transcripts/grades.
- Recommendation sources: school official, representative citizen, plus one of applicant’s choice.
- Local ALA Unit recommendation may be added but is not mandatory.

Application Timeline and Submission

**How and Where to Submit:** Email the complete application and attachments to the Department of Texas Education Committee Chair at linda.malsbary@yahoo.com. All materials must be submitted by the start of May for committee review.
**Acknowledgement and Notification:** Applicants will receive an email confirming receipt. Final notification of award status will be emailed in June 2026.

Key takeaways
- Submit application and all attachments by the start of May via email to linda.malsbary@yahoo.com.
- You will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
- Award notifications will be sent by email in June 2026.

Award Value

**Amount and Type:** Awards are gift scholarships of $500 each. The number of scholarships awarded depends on timely, qualified submissions and committee determination.
**Distribution:** Scholarship funds are issued as checks and will be delivered to the college or university that the recipient will attend.

Key takeaways
- Each award is a $500 gift scholarship.
- Number of awards depends on qualified applicants and committee decisions.
- Funds are sent as a check directly to the recipient’s college or university.

Scholarship Conditions

**Enrollment Requirement:** If awarded, recipients must be enrolled in college no later than August 1, 2026. Scholarships will not be granted for enrollment in the 2027–2028 academic year.
**Attendance Requirement:** If a recipient is enrolled but elects not to attend the Fall semester, the scholarship will be null and void.
**Eligibility Maintenance:** College recipients must maintain full‑time enrollment in consecutive semesters as specified under eligibility.

Key takeaways
- Awardees must be enrolled by August 1, 2026; no awards for 2027–2028 enrollment.
- Scholarship is void if recipient does not attend the Fall semester after enrolling.
- College recipients must remain full‑time and continuously enrolled.

History of the Award

The American Legion Auxiliary in Texas evolved from its partnership with The American Legion into an organization with its own identity and community focus. Over decades, the Auxiliary expanded its activities beyond veterans’ issues to broader civic and educational support across Texas. Through local units statewide, the Auxiliary promotes the values of service, patriotism, and support for military families—principles that underlie the scholarship program. The scholarship continues that tradition by assisting descendants of veterans in pursuing higher education.

Key takeaways
- ALA Texas grew from partnership with The American Legion into an independent civic organization.
- The Auxiliary supports veterans, education, and community activities across Texas.
- The scholarship reflects the Auxiliary’s commitment to veteran families and education.