AMVETS offers six $4,000 scholarships ($1,000 per year for four years) for high school seniors who are children or grandchildren of veterans. To qualify, you must have a high school GPA of at least a 3.0 and you must attend a four-year college or university or an accredited trade school.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart offers scholarships only to the order's members, their spouse and direct descendants. If the veteran was killed in action or died of wounds and did not get the opportunity to join the order, you may still be eligible for the scholarship. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in a U.S. college or trade school and must have a minimum of a 2.75 GPA.
Samsung has endowed $5 million to the American Legion to offer scholarships to high school juniors who are direct descendants of a veteran and are delegates to either Boys State or Girls State. Strong candidates for the scholarship will have a high GPA, involvement in community service and school activities and show financial need.
The American Legion, Department of Arkansas, also offers a scholarship to grandchildren of members of the American Legion. Legion members must be active and in good standing for the past two years. The award is $1,000 and recipients are chosen based on patriotism, character, educational achievements and financial need.
Direct descendants of veterans are eligible for a $500 scholarship. Applicants must be a senior at a high school in Arkansas and must show their American spirit, leadership qualities, scholarship and financial need. In addition, the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Arkansas, also offers a $500 scholarship for students enrolling in a nursing program. Applicants must show the above qualities.